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Pre-Registration and Pre-Analysis Plans in Experimental Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Taisuke Imai

    (The University of Osaka)

  • Séverine Toussaert

    (University of Oxford)

  • Aurélien Baillon

    (emlyon business school, CNRS, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Université Jean-Monnet Saint-Etienne, GATE)

  • Anna Dreber

    (Stockholm School of Economics)

  • Seda Ertaç

    (Koç University)

  • Magnus Johannesson

    (Stockholm School of Economics)

  • Levent Neyse

    (WZB, DIW Berlin)

  • Marie Claire Villeval

    (CNRS, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Université Jean-Monnet Saint-Etienne, emlyon business school, GATE, IZA, Bonn, Germany)

Abstract

The open science movement has gained significant momentum over the past decade, with pre-registration and the use of pre-analysis plans being central to ongoing debates. Combining observational evidence on trends in adoption with survey data from 519 researchers, this study examines the adoption of pre-registration (potentially but not necessarily including pre-analysis plans) in experimental economics. Pooling statistics from 19 leading journals published between 2017 and 2023, we observe that the number of papers containing a pre-registration grew from seven per year to 190 per year. Our findings indicate that pre-registration has now become mainstream in experimental economics, with two-thirds of respondents expressing favorable views and 86% having pre-registered at least one study. However, opinions are divided on the scope and comprehensiveness of pre-registration, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines. Researchers assign a credibility premium to pre-registered tests, although the exact channels remain to be understood. Our results suggest growing support for open science practices among experimental economists, with demand for professional associations to guide researchers and reviewers on best practices for pre-registration and other open science initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Taisuke Imai & Séverine Toussaert & Aurélien Baillon & Anna Dreber & Seda Ertaç & Magnus Johannesson & Levent Neyse & Marie Claire Villeval, 2025. "Pre-Registration and Pre-Analysis Plans in Experimental Economics," Working Papers 2511, Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon St-Étienne (GATE Lyon St-Étienne), Université de Lyon.
    • Handle: RePEc:gat:wpaper:2511
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    Keywords

    pre-registration; pre-analysis plans; experimental economics; open science;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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