부산대학교 도서관

Rigorous academic research is the core principle behind deepening the knowledge of sports and exercise science and enhancing athletic performance. Scientific knowledge continually develops through long-term accumulation, and academic research is the primary way in which scientific knowledge is accumulated. Due to the importance of academic research and the pressure to publish, researchers may resort to 'questionable research practice (QRP)' to ensure that their research results conform to their hypotheses and can be published in journals. To reduce the occurrence of QRP, 'preregistration' has emerged as a practice. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the potential impact of the QRP and the importance and methods of preregistration. After summarizing the potential causes and negative effects of QRP, this article introduces the types and methods of preregistration and its ability to address QRP issues. Finally, the article discusses the advantages, potential limitations, and challenges of preregistration. Specifically, QRP includes using different or only slightly different statistical methods, repeatedly conducting statistical tests on the same data, and even 'p-value chasing,' which involves deleting or expanding data analyzed in the current analysis based on the results discovered from post-hoc data analysis, or setting up new research hypotheses based on the results discovered after the fact (HARKing). QRP might lead to concerns about 'reproducibility' and 'replicability', triggering academic research on the 'replication crisis'. Preregistration involves publicly registering a research plan with a 'time stamp' on a certified platform before the experiment begins, with the aim of reducing the occurrence of QRP among researchers. Preregistration can be classified into 'unreviewed' preregistration on online platforms without peer review mechanisms and 'registered reports' by submitting research plans to peer-reviewed mechanisms. This article aims to provide domestic researchers in the fields of physical education and sports science with knowledge of QRP and preregistration. It advocates for preregistration to serve as a model for future research design and execution in promoting the transparency and rigor of sports research.