Open Science

Reproducible methods are emphasized in open science as they ensure that other researchers can apply the same methods and materials to maintain the same results, thereby validating the findings. These methods refer to the study plan, procedures, workflow, and protocols. When methods are not reproducible, resources are wasted, the wrong conclusions are determined, and progress in the broader field is hindered. By making methods reproducible, researchers can improve the reliability and credibility of their work. A few ways that reproducible methods can be carried out are by making sure to use: 

Reproducible and Open Protocols

Accessible protocols that are detailed enough to be reproducible are essential for any researchers who might be replicating a study. There are a few repositories for reusable protocols such as protocolexchange.researchsquare.com and protocols.io/search that allow researchers to view protocols that are readily available to adapt to their own research. Additionally, sharing your own protocols on a repository is worth considering too as it increases discoverability and reproducibility, allows for further networking, and enhances the value of the research products as nothing is going to waste. Choosing a repository like OSF.io allows researchers to upload all of these tools as well as the finished research product into one location. 

Predetermined Reporting Guidelines 

A reporting guideline is a checklist of information for writing manuscripts. It provides the minimum amount of information to be understood by different readers (for example a clinician, an expert in the field, someone who wants to replicate the study, or a team who is using it in a systematic review.) Reporting guidelines can be found in the resource list below. 

Peer Reviewed Protocols

There are a growing number of journals allowing for peer-reviewing protocols after the study and before any data is collected or analyzed. This is in order to prevent publication bias, and improve transparency in how data is going to be analyzed. By submitting study plans for peer review and in-principle acceptance, researchers can receive valuable feedback early in the process and ensure that their plans are thoroughly vetted, reducing the risk of bias and improving the quality of the research. A list of participating journals can be found here https://www.cos.io/initiatives/registered-reports 

Transparency Check Lists 

Transparency checklists are tools designed to ensure that all aspects of a study are thoroughly documented and transparent. By using these checklists, researchers can identify gaps or ambiguities in their protocols and manuscripts. SciScore.com can provide a reproducible report. Penelope.ai can also automatically check for compliance with reporting guidelines