# Registered Reports: a thesis workflow from Stage 1 to Stage 2

Decision workbook and teaching example · 2026-10-06

The completed case is fictional. Its values and decisions are not actual findings; complete your project using relevant permissions, methods and requirements.

- Project: ____________________
- Researcher and role: ____________________
- Date and version: ____________________
- Data seen before the decision: ____________________
- Aim and scope: ____________________

## Completed example

| Stage/decision | Example | Check or action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Question | Hypothetical comparison of two teaching approaches | Define your outcome, unit and scope. |
| Review | Within-class dependence overlooked | Reconcile model and recruitment planning. |
| IPA | Conditional letter for protocol 1.2 | Retain the actual letter and conditions. |
| Deviation | Tool failure before analysis | Record date, reason, access to outcomes and action. |
| Stage 2 | Planned versus executed table | Explain differences and interpretation. |

## Complete your own record

| Topic | Actual decision and reason | Evidence link and status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Question | __________ | __________ |
| Review | __________ | __________ |
| IPA | __________ | __________ |
| Deviation | __________ | __________ |
| Stage 2 | __________ | __________ |

## Completion checks

- [ ] Stage 1 manuscript and located reviewer responses.
- [ ] Protocol, IPA conditions and dated amendments.
- [ ] Execution comparison and Stage 2 manuscript.

## Changes and limitations

| Date | Change | Data known at decision time | Reason | Consequence for claim | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |

## Sources and further reading

- [Center for Open Science — Registered Reports](https://www.cos.io/initiatives/registered-reports)
- [OSF Support — Registration templates](https://help.osf.io/article/330-welcome-to-registrations)
- [Center for Open Science — Preregistration](https://www.cos.io/initiatives/prereg)

Related guide: https://didgar-research-site1.vercel.app/en/guides/registered-reports/