About this resource

    Type of resources
    Reading
    Education level(s)
    College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional, Career / Technical, Adult Education
    Primary user(s)
    Student, Teacher
    Subject area(s)
    Social Science
    Language(s)
    English
    Cluster
    Pre-analysis Planning
    Last updated
    9 November 2026
    Reading

    Why and How to Use Pre-Analysis Plans

    By David Yokum, Jake Bowers

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    Level College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional, Career / Technical, Adult Education · For Student, Teacher · Language English

    Abstract

    We describe what is a pre-analysis plan (PAP) and why you should use one. We emphasize the potential political uses of PAPs and, in particular, how the PAP is in this respect a uniquely powerful tool for increasing the likelihood that evidence informs policy-making.

    Keywords Pre-Analysis Plans · Preregistration · Motivated Reasoning · Policy