Open science in health psychology and behavioral medicine: A statement from the Behavioral Medicine Research Council.

Abstract

Open Science practices include some combination of registering and publishing study protocols (including hypotheses, primary and secondary outcome variables, and analysis plans) and making available preprints of manuscripts, study materials, de-identified data sets, and analytic codes. This statement from the Behavioral Medicine Research Council (BMRC) provides an overview of these methods, including preregistration; registered reports; preprints; and open research. We focus on rationales for engaging in Open Science and how to address shortcomings and possible objections. Additional resources for researchers are provided. Research on Open Science largely supports positive consequences for the reproducibility and reliability of empirical science. There is no solution that will encompass all Open Science needs in health psychology and behavioral medicine’s diverse research products and outlets, but the BMRC supports increased use of Open Science practices where possible.

The State of Open Science Practices in Psychometric Studies of Suicide: A Systematic Review

“…Transparent conduct entails meeting the following requirements (Nosek & Bar-Anan, 2012): a) making information accessible, b) explicitly detailing the steps and decision-making involved in each phase of the scientific cycle, and c) providing complete and non-partial information. These transparent behaviors are advocated to advance our science by enhancing rigor, reliability, and equitable access to research (Pownall et al, 2023;Segerstrom et al, 2023). It is important to note that open science practices alone do not guarantee the veracity or validity of reported information.…”

“…To uphold the principles of good science, rigor and adherence to the value of truthfulness in information are equally crucial (Antonakis, 2017;Banks et al, 2019;Chin et al, 2021;Haeffel, 2022;Simmons et al, 2011). OPEN SCIENCE IN PSYCHOMETRIC SUICIDE RESEARCH In the past decade, there has been increasing emphasis on adopting open science practices as effective means to counter questionable research practices or behaviors (Banks et al, 2019;Munafò et al, 2017;Segerstrom et al, 2023;Wigboldus & Dotsch, 2016). This call has been made in general and has been particularly highlighted in specific fields such as psychometrics (Flake & Fried, 2020;Flores-Kanter & Mosquera, 2023;Manapat et al, 2023) and suicide research (Carpenter & Law, 2021;Kirtley et al, 2022).…”

Demystifying Open Science in health psychology and behavioral medicine: a practical guide to Registered Reports and Data Notes

“…A recent statement from the Behavioral Medicine Research Council (BMRC: established in 2017 after unanimous approval from the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, the Society for Health Psychology, the American Psychosomatic Society and the Society of Behavioral Medicine) affirmed the importance of Open Science practices within health psychology and behavioral medicine to benefit health research and ensure societal impact (Segerstrom et al, 2023 ). Notably, this statement was published simultaneously across three leading journals in the field: Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine and Health Psychology , emphasizing the importance of these practices.…”

Demystifying Open Science in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: A Practical Guide to Registered Reports and Data Notes

“…A recent statement from the Behavioral Medicine Research Council (BMRC: established in 2017 after unanimous approval from the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, the Society for Health Psychology, the American Psychosomatic Society and the Society of Behavioral Medicine) affirmed the importance of Open Science practices within health psychology and behavioral medicine to benefit health research and ensure societal impact (Segerstrom et al, 2023). Notably, this statement was published simultaneously across three leading journals in the field: Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine and Health Psychology, emphasizing the importance of these practices.…”