Preregistration of exploratory research: Learning from the golden age of discovery

Preregistration of study protocols and, in particular, Registered Reports are novel publishing formats that are currently gaining substantial traction. Besides rating the research question and soundness of methodology over outstanding significance of the results, they can help with antagonizing inadequate statistical power, selective reporting of results, undisclosed analytic flexibility, as well as publication bias. Preregistration works well when a clear hypothesis, primary outcome, and mode of analysis can be formulated. But is it also applicable and useful in discovery research, which develops theories and hypotheses, measurement techniques, and generates evidence that justifies further research? I will argue that only slight modifications are needed to harness the potential of preregistration and make exploratory research more trustworthy and useful.Pre-registration and registered reports of research that develops theories and hypotheses has the potential to reduce waste and increase the value of biomedical research. This Perspective argues that journals and scientists should develop and experiment with pre-registration formats for discovery research.