What is pre-registration?

Answer

Pre-registration is the process of formally documenting and openly publishing the research design, methodology, and analysis plan of a study before data collection begins. This practice is intended to increase the transparency and credibility of research by sharing planned methods, analyses and hypotheses prior to data collection.

Pre-registration can be used for various types of studies, including experimental, observational, and qualitative research. Researchers can pre-register their studies on various platforms, and a pre-registration record typically includes a clear outline of research questions, proposed methods, and intended analyses.

Pre-registration has gained popularity across many fields, including psychology, social sciences, and health research, as a way to combat issues like publication bias and p-hacking, ultimately fostering greater trust in scientific findings.

Sharing pre-registrations

Pre-registration records are commonly shared on dedicated online platforms known as pre-registration repositories. The University of Manchester recommends OSF (Open Science Framework) as a supported system for sharing pre-registrations and research materials, across all disciplines.

Benefits of preregistration

Facilitation of collaboration: Pre-registration allows other researchers to review and potentially collaborate on your study, fostering a culture of openness in research.

Increased transparency: Pre-registration provides a clear record of research intentions, ensuring transparency throughout the research process, preventing undisclosed modifications or selective reporting, and bolstering the integrity of the study.

Reduced publication bias: By committing to a predefined plan, researchers diminish the temptation to alter methods or analyses based on observed results or external pressures. Pre-registration encourages the publication of null or negative findings including those that may not yield significant results.

Clarity of hypotheses and methods: Pre-registration forces researchers to carefully define their hypotheses and research methods, which can improve study design and execution.

How to pre-register a study

1. Draft your pre-registration: Outline your research questions, methodology, analysis plan, and any other relevant details. Be clear and concise in your descriptions.

2. Obtain co-author approval: Ensure all co-authors agree with the pre-registration content before submission.

3. Submit your pre-registration: Follow the instructions provided by OSF to officially submit your pre-registration.

4. Update if necessary: If your study design changes during the research process, update your pre-registration to reflect these changes transparently.

Pre-registration: reassurance on potential concerns

Impact on flexibility: Some researchers may feel that pre-registration restricts flexibility in study design. However, adjustments can still be made, provided they are documented transparently.

Perceived pressure for outcomes: There may be a concern that pre-registration implies pressure to achieve predefined outcomes. However it’s important to note that pre-registration does not enforce a specific result; rather, it serves to clarify the research process.

Possibility of ideas being ‘scooped’: Some researchers may worry that pre-registration might risk exposure of novel ideas and associated loss of priority and recognition. However, publishing a pre-registration creates a publicly timestamped document, helping establish the precedence and priority of your work. This makes it more difficult for others to ‘scoop’ your research findings or ideas before you have a chance to formally publish.