Reading the evidence
Pre-registration records the hypothesis, data, exclusions and analysis plan before outcomes are examined. It separates planned confirmation from later exploration and makes deviations visible.
Make it click
A game is fairer when scoring rules are sealed before play. New rules can still be useful, but they must be labelled as changes rather than original victories.
Now put that into markets
Research registers can hash or timestamp specifications before an event or data release. Later analyses reference the frozen version.
A useful plan is specific enough to prevent silent flexibility yet allows documented contingencies. Exploratory work remains welcome under its proper label.
Compare registration with final code and report every deviation. Check timing, completeness and whether the data was already known.
Pre-registration cannot rescue a poor question or dishonest execution. Vague plans can create only the appearance of constraint.
Takeaway
