Prerequisite: Size the risk before the position
Learning objective
Give each timeframe a distinct job and avoid treating several views of the same data as independent evidence.
Choose a context timeframe, a scenario timeframe and an execution timeframe before analysing. For example H4, H1 and M15 are an educational workflow, not proof of an edge. Write what each view contributes: broad structure, scenario invalidation or order timing.
All views come from overlapping price data. Three indicators agreeing on three timeframes are not three independent experiments. Define how you handle conflict; switching timeframes until one agrees invites confirmation bias. A valid choice can be no trade.
Record your rules before observing the outcome. Test them on historical periods without future information, include transaction costs, then evaluate on separate data. The workflow organises decisions; it does not create a guaranteed profitable strategy.
Worked example
A practice plan: use H4 for structure, H1 for the scenario and M15 only after the H1 condition is met. If the H1 condition fails, do not use a favourable M15 candle to override it.
Common mistakes
Avoid retrospective rule changes and higher-confidence claims based only on duplicated indicators.
Practice
Write one rule for timeframe disagreement and one rule for standing aside.