Striving for solid science: Preregistration and direct replication in experimental psychology

Abstract

Recently, experimental psychologists have been thinking a lot about how to do research in such a way that their findings can be replicated. As a result, it is becoming more and more common (a) to preregister one's own hypotheses and analysis plan online and (b) to conduct direct replications of one's own studies. In this Research Methods Case, we discuss our personal experiences with preregistration and direct replication. Illustrated by two projects from our own laboratory, we reflect on the costs and benefits of using preregistration and direct replication. Also, we discuss how preregistration and direct replication attempts may seem to harm personal career development, but at the same time can be inspiring and productive.