Pre-Registration Skill

Purpose

Document study plans before data collection to ensure transparency and prevent questionable research practices.

Pre-Registration Components

1. Study Information

• Title, authors, institutions
• Funding sources

2. Hypotheses

• Primary hypothesis (pre-specified)
• Secondary hypotheses
• Exploratory questions

3. Design

• Study type (observational, experimental)
• Blinding (who, how)
• Randomization details

4. Sampling

• Sample size (with power analysis)
• Recruitment strategy
• Inclusion/exclusion criteria
• Stopping rules

5. Variables

• Independent variables (manipulation)
• Dependent variables (outcomes)
• Control variables
• Measurement instruments

6. Analysis Plan

• Primary statistical test
• Handling missing data
• Outlier treatment
• Multiple comparison corrections

7. Timeline

• Start date
• Data collection period
• Analysis completion

Platforms

• OSF (Open Science Framework): osf.io
• AsPredicted: aspredicted.org
• ClinicalTrials.gov: For clinical trials

Version: 1.0.0