What is preregistration, and how does it support research integrity?

• A. Preregistration documents hypotheses, methods, and analysis plans after data collection; reduces p-hacking
• B. Preregistration is a way to gain access to extra funding
• C. Preregistration documents hypotheses, methods, and analysis plans before data collection; reduces p-hacking and selective reporting
• D. Preregistration is optional and has no impact on research integrity

Answer: (C)

Preregistration is the practice of stating your hypotheses, methods, and planned analyses before you begin collecting data. By committing to a specific plan in advance, researchers reduce the temptation and opportunity to tweak analyses after seeing the results, which helps curb p-hacking and selective reporting. This upfront transparency strengthens research integrity by making it harder to cherry-pick findings or present only favorable outcomes. It’s not about gaining extra funding, nor is it optional with no impact; doing it before data collection provides a meaningful safeguard against biased reporting.