Standardized procedures are crucial for several reasons: 1. Consistency: They provide a consistent framework that allows for the comparison of data across different studies and populations. 2. Reproducibility: They ensure that studies can be replicated by other researchers, which is a cornerstone of scientific validity. 3. Accuracy: They minimize biases and errors, enhancing the accuracy of the data collected. 4. Comparability: They allow for the aggregation of data from different sources, facilitating large-scale meta-analyses.