preregistrerade

Preregistration refers to the practice of publicly documenting the design, methodology, and analysis plan of a scientific study before data collection begins. This approach aims to enhance transparency, reduce bias, and minimize the risk of p-hacking or selective reporting in research. By committing to predefined procedures in advance, researchers can demonstrate their commitment to rigorous scientific standards and provide a clear framework for evaluating their work.

The concept gained prominence in psychology and related fields as a response to concerns about questionable research practices, such as data peeking, cherry-picking results, or altering hypotheses after observing the data. Preregistration platforms, such as the Open Science Framework (OSF), AsPredicted, and the Center for Open Science’s registry, allow researchers to upload detailed study protocols, including objectives, sample size calculations, statistical tests, and planned exclusions. These registries often assign a unique identifier to the protocol, serving as a timestamped record of the study’s original design.

While preregistration is not yet universally adopted across all disciplines, its use is increasingly encouraged by journals, funding agencies, and academic institutions. Critics argue that it may not fully address all forms of research misconduct or that rigid adherence to pre-specified plans could stifle scientific flexibility. However, proponents highlight its role in fostering reproducibility and accountability in scientific inquiry. Preregistered studies are often prioritized for publication in open-access journals and are considered more credible due to their reduced risk of bias.