Continuous predictor shape specification ======================================== StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026 Preserve a defensible relationship for a continuous predictor. How to use this worksheet State the scientific scale and plausible shape before comparing flexible models. Document transformations, spline basis or polynomial degree and knot placement. Keep model complexity compatible with the information available. Validate the full specification and plot predictions over supported values. Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count. Project/version __________________ Prepared by role/date __________________ Working fields 1. Predictor unit and supported range Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Scientific shape expectation Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Chosen transformation or basis Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Knots/degrees of freedom and rationale Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Reference value for interpretation Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Validation or sensitivity plan Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Extrapolation restrictions Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. Plot and reporting description Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Hypothetical worked case A fictional risk relationship rises gradually with age. Splitting age at the sample median discards within-group information and creates an artificial jump; a prespecified continuous form can represent the relationship more faithfully. Decision rule and limitations Do not select arbitrary cut points by the strongest association. Report the functional form and avoid extrapolating flexible curves beyond supported values. Decision _______________________ Remaining uncertainty ____________________ Next action ____________________ Owner / review date ______________________ Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________ Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026 https://scikit-learn.org/stable/modules/generated/sklearn.preprocessing.SplineTransformer.html This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument, clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.