Preregistration and registered reports in the scientific process: what are the key facts you need to know?

Preregistration and registered reports share the common goal of making research projects publicly accessible before data collection begins, thereby boosting transparency. However, these two approaches differ in certain respects.

• Preregistration refers to the practice of publicly registering a research project on an online platform without peer review.
• In contrast, a registered report involves a two-stage process in which methods and planned analyses undergo preregistration as well as peer review before data collection starts. In the first stage, researchers submit their project – including a description of the current state of research and proposed methodology – to a journal for peer review. If approved after this initial review, the registered report receives an “in principle acceptance”, or IPA. The data is then collected and analysed and the results are written up and submitted for another peer review. This second review focuses solely on verifying that the methodology described in the initial submission has been appropriately followed or, if deviations occurred, whether these deviations are adequately justified. Additionally, it evaluates whether the interpretation of results is coherent and consistent. At this stage, publication is typically assured; however, rejection remains possible if significant issues arise during this second review.

Purpose and objectives

There are several good reasons for preregistering research studies. First, clearly documenting research projects at an early stage, in line with open science principles, helps prevent unnecessary duplication of efforts. Second, explicitly distinguishing between hypothesis generation, data collection, and data analysis fosters greater transparency and credibility.

This approach also prevents researchers from adjusting hypotheses to fit their findings (known as hypothesizing after the results are known, or HARKing) or selectively analysing data until non-significant results become significant (P-hacking). The overarching goal of preregistration is to enhance the reproducibility and replicability of scientific findings.

Registration of research studies also encourages the publication of a broader range of research outcomes and datasets – including those from studies that yield inconclusive results or fail to support their initial hypotheses. Ultimately, this practice aims to reduce publication bias and mitigate the file drawer problem.

How to preregister research studies

Various platforms are available for preregistration, including:

Open Science Framework – Registries
AsPredicted
Research Registry

These websites also include templates and examples.

A dedicated online registry is also available for preregistering scientific studies involving animals:

Animal Study Registry

Germany offers a central register for registering clinical trials in the field of medicine:

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS)

The Center for Open Science website includes a list of journals that publish registered reports or are planning to do so in the future.

Center for Open Science – Registered Reports, click the “Participating Journals” button to see the list.

Preregistration in practice

Although preregistration is well established in the medical community, other scientific fields are only just starting to adopt this approach, and uniform standards are often still lacking. Several key points remain under discussion, including how detailed project descriptions should be, how to register studies that are exploratory or not hypothesis-driven, and how to determine the extent to which deviations from the original analysis plan are acceptable how these should be documented.

Many scientific communities are still at the point of developing and discussing proposals on what registration might look like. An example of how to approach exploratory research projects can be found here. Studies show that more thorough documentation can extend project timelines. Sufficient time must therefore be allocated for this process.

Should registration be obligatory in the life sciences?

Preregistration of studies is mandatory in certain contexts, particularly in the field of medicine. Some countries, academic journals and research funding bodies have developed corresponding requirements for clinical trials in these areas. These include, for example, journals whose editors are members of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

We recommend checking in advance whether your project is subject to mandatory registration and/or under which conditions registration may be required. A good place to start is the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) or the website of the World Health Organisation. Preregistration is mandatory in certain circumstances, for example if the study involves test subjects.

See also

What is open science?
An introduction to good research practice, research misconduct and academic integrity

Disclaimer

Important note: The information and links provided here do not represent any form of binding legal advice. They are solely intended to provide an initial basis to help get you on the right track. ZB MED – Information Centre for Life Sciences has carefully checked the information included in the list of FAQs. However, we are unable to accept any liability whatsoever for any errors it may contain. Unless indicated otherwise, any statements concerning individual statutory norms or regulations refer to German law (FAQ updated 02/2025).