Adapting Open Science and Pre-registration to Longitudinal Research

Area of Science:

• Developmental science
• Open science
• Research methodology

Background:

• Open science practices like pre-registration and data sharing boost transparency and replicability.
• Developmental science adoption of open science lags due to longitudinal research complexities.
• Unique challenges in longitudinal studies hinder open science implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide preliminary guidelines for adapting open science practices to longitudinal research.
• To facilitate the adoption of open science methods by developmental researchers.
• To address specific considerations for implementing open science in long-term studies.

Main Methods:

• Proposing a serial and modular approach to pre-registration.
• Recommending initial pre-registration of methods and hypotheses for longitudinal studies.
• Suggesting subsequent pre- or co-registration for specific papers' questions, hypotheses, and analysis plans.

Main Results:

• Guidelines encourage sharing research materials and relevant data.
• Reporting sufficient information for replicability is emphasized.
• Careful consideration of data sharing timing is advised to avoid disincentivizing research.

Conclusions:

• Adapting open science practices to longitudinal research is feasible with a structured approach.
• Serial and modular registration can streamline open science implementation.
• Balancing data sharing with research incentives is crucial for longitudinal studies.