Planning

Registered Reports: A closer look at a new publication format

Great that you’re now diving into the topic of Registered Reports. This publication format is designed to strengthen transparency and reproducibility in research by reviewing the study design before data collection begins.

The Center for Open Science (COS) provides a wide range of resources to help you get started – including a list of published Registered Reports, practical guidelines and a checklist for preparing your own submission.

Take a look around and explore how Registered Reports can support more robust and credible research.

Especially useful for early-career researchers:

1. Stage 1 Submission Checklist

COS provides a detailed checklist to help you prepare a clear and well-structured protocol for Stage 1 submission. It guides you through all key elements – from hypothesis to study design and analysis plans.

2. Practical Considerations for Navigating Registered Reports

This paper by Kiyonaga & Scimeca offers practical advice on how to successfully submit a Registered Report. It addresses common challenges and provides insights into the process from a researcher’s perspective.

3. Webinars tailored to researchers

COS hosts a range of webinars – both live and recorded – that explain the workflow, highlight common pitfalls, and provide input from both authors and reviewers. These sessions offer a practical introduction to the format.

4. Zotero Library of Published Reports

Explore the growing list of published Registered Reports for examples of strong study designs in your field. Reviewing these can help you assess quality standards and prepare your own submission accordingly.