Why is Pre-registration Important in Epidemiology?
In epidemiology, where studies often inform public health policies and clinical guidelines, the accuracy and integrity of research are paramount. Pre-registration helps to:
1. Prevent Selective Reporting: By committing to a specific analysis plan beforehand, researchers are less likely to report only favorable outcomes. 2. Enhance Reproducibility: Other researchers can replicate the study using the same methods and analysis plan. 3. Improve Credibility: Transparent reporting builds trust among the scientific community, policymakers, and the public.
