Model complexity and overfitting plan ===================================== StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026 Plan model flexibility relative to the information available. How to use this worksheet List every candidate parameter, including indicator levels, nonlinear terms and interactions. Record sample size, outcome distribution and missing-data consequences. Choose a development and validation strategy before comparing performance. Treat simple parameter-count heuristics as rough warnings rather than universal guarantees. 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. Intended model use Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Candidate predictors and parameter count Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Outcome events or information available Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Missing-data reduction Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Penalty/shrinkage strategy Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Internal validation design Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Optimism and stability measures Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. Simplification decision and rationale Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Hypothetical worked case A fictional model with five named predictors includes a four-level factor and a spline. Its parameter count exceeds five; counting variable names alone understates flexibility and overfitting risk. Decision rule and limitations Approve complexity only with a defensible development strategy and validation. Avoid claiming adequate sample size from one universal events-per-variable rule. 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/model_selection.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.