Preregistration: the good, the bad, and the confusing
Abstract
Preregistration is a tool to enhance the reliability of science that has been promoted as a normative requirement for the award of grants or the acceptance of publications. I argue that: (a) preregistration addresses an important need, (b) it offers considerable benefits, (c) those benefits partially cover the need, (d) they are accompanied by costs and side effects. The decision to make preregistration a normative requirement should be carefully assessed for its potential side-effects, and alternative models and norms should be considered. I discuss factors that affect the reliability of science and how preregistration can influence them, and I make a few suggestions to enhance its efficacy while limiting its risks.
Link to resource: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/bcd9t
Type of resources: Reading
Education level(s): College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional, Career /Technical, Adult Education
Primary user(s): Student, Teacher, Librarian
Subject area(s): Applied Science, Arts and Humanities, Business and Communication, Career and Technical Education, Education, English Language Arts, History, Law, Life Science, Math & Statistics, Physical Science, Social Science
Language(s): English