| By: |
Brodeur, Abel;
Cook, Nikolai M.;
Hartley, Jonathan S.;
Heyes, Anthony |
| Abstract: |
Pre-registration is regarded as an important contributor to research
credibility. We investigate this by analyzing the pattern of test statistics
from the universe of randomized controlled trials (RCT) studies published in
15 leading economics journals. We draw two conclusions: (a) Pre-registration
frequently does not involve a pre-analysis plan (PAP), or sufficient detail to
constrain meaningfully the actions and decisions of researchers after data is
collected. Consistent with this, we find no evidence that pre-registration in
itself reduces p-hacking and publication bias. (b) When pre-registration is
accompanied by a PAP we find evidence consistent with both reduced phacking
and publication bias. |
| Keywords: |
Pre-analysis plan, Pre-registration, p-Hacking, Publication, bias, Research credibility |
| JEL: |
B41 C13 C40 C93 |
| Date: |
2023 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1147pre&r=sog |