The registration continuum in clinical science: A guide toward transparent practices

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research Methodology
• Scientific Integrity

Background:

• Clinical scientists employ various registration strategies impacting disclosure and timing.
• Study registration offers benefits for investigators, including enhanced theoretical testing and control of false positive error rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the benefits of study registration for clinical researchers.
• To highlight how registration aids in managing complex study design elements and data analysis.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses a continuum of registration efforts.
• It emphasizes the role of registration in justifying study design decisions and decision trees.

Main Results:

• Registration strengthens theoretical testing and improves control over long-run false positive error rates.
• It aids in addressing challenges in participant recruitment, phenotype definition, comorbidity, missing data, and complex data analysis.

Conclusions:

• Study registration increases transparency in clinical research.
• Faithful registration and standard operating procedures can serve as measures of scientific skill and eminence.