> You should be able to predict what the answer is going to look like from past work, and the error bars.
If you basically know the answer in advance, chances are you are not doing very interesting research.
The worst work I have done has been of this sort. The best has had me completely change my view of (mathematical) reality multiple times during the process.
In emperical fields as well I would assume the purpose of doing experiments is that you don't already know what the result will be. I accept that this may be a idealised or naive...
I'm not talking about the exact result, right? Just that someone engaging in research should know what the format of the plot/table/output should look like, how much work is needed to populate that table, and what kind of conclusions will come out of it.
If you (the general "you") are in industry breakthrough territory, you're an advanced student and my advice isn't for you. Otherwise, I think it's a good practice.
Fair. I think considering what possible conclusions could come is certainly important. I worried about your original post suggesting actually writing the conclusion in advance.
If you basically know the answer in advance, chances are you are not doing very interesting research.
The worst work I have done has been of this sort. The best has had me completely change my view of (mathematical) reality multiple times during the process.