What is Preregistration?

One practice that I feel is not discussed enough in SCM research is preregistration, which is the practice of writing a detailed research plan before starting a study and making that plan publicly available. This practice clearly separates when researchers are testing a specific hypothesis (prediction) from when they are examining data to find new patterns (exploration). By deciding on hypotheses, methods, and analysis strategies in advance, researchers minimize the bias that can occur when they adjust their approach after seeing the data. This helps prevent the issue of unintentionally presenting after-the-fact explanations as if they were predicted from the start. Therefore, preregistration increases the credibility and transparency of research results. It also makes it easier for others to understand the work and, if necessary, replicate the study. While there may be practical challenges (e.g., unexpected changes during data collection) preregistration is becoming more common. Many academic institutions and journals now encourage or require it. For more information, visit the Center for Open Science.