Convenience language like “easy” or “simple” often hides the real burdens: strict windows and repeated at home tasks.
Instead of arguing about adjectives, ask for operational definitions. Numbers and boundaries.
A replacement vocabulary
When you hear a convenience phrase, ask one clarifying question that forces it into constraints.
- “Easy” - What is the longest visit and what makes it long?
- “Flexible” - What is the strictest timing window, and what is fixed versus movable?
- “Light diary” - How many entries per day, and what is the deadline for each?
- “Mostly remote” - Which steps are in person, and which are remote, with dates?
What you are listening for
A useful answer includes quantities. If you get reassurances instead of quantities, pause. Re ask the question in a numbers format.
This approach is not aggressive. It is planning.
Questions that convert adjectives into facts
- If you had to describe the study in one sentence using numbers, what would it be?
- What is the strictest timing requirement?
- What is the hardest at home task, and what is the deadline?
- How long is the longest visit, and what makes it long?