Pre-replication
Replication studies, while crucial for scientific advancement, require substantial resources and careful planning. We introduce the concept of pre-replication—a systematic evaluation framework to be implemented before conducting replications. Pre-replication encompasses three fundamental assessments: epistemological goals, methodological quality, and axiological rationale for replication. This framework serves as both a practical tool and a critical thinking exercise, encouraging researchers to thoroughly evaluate potential replications before committing resources. Importantly, pre-replication can lead to the justified conclusion that certain findings are not worth replicating (which we label as “negative pre-replication”), thereby preventing unnecessary resource expenditure. While researchers can include pre-replication reports in their studies, the primary benefit lies in the preliminary critical reflection process, which may even invalidate findings without requiring actual replication. Pre-replication is thus intended to help researchers assess whether a particular study meets the minimum criteria for replication.