Enabling Confirmatory Secondary Data Analysis by Logging Data ‘Checkout’

As more researchers make their datasets openly available, the potential of secondary data analysis to address new questions increases. However, the distinction between primary and secondary data analysis is unnecessarily confounded with the distinction between confirmatory and exploratory research. We propose a framework, akin to library book checkout records, for logging access to datasets in order to support confirmatory analysis where appropriate. This would support a standard form of preregistration for secondary data analysis, allowing authors to demonstrate that their plans were registered prior to data access. We discuss the critical elements of such a system, its strengths and limitations, and potential extensions.