The research transparency index

Abstract

Research transparency is critical for credible and trustworthy theory and subsequent practices and policymaking. However, checking for transparency is a laborious and time-consuming task. To facilitate this process, we introduce the Research Transparency Index (RTI v. 1.0). The program, available at https://www.hermanaguinis.com, enables users to assess the level of transparency in both unpublished and published manuscripts. RTI provides feedback on the transparency of manuscripts describing quantitative research across key research stages: theory, design, measurement, data analysis, and reporting of results. RTI (a) assists authors in enhancing the transparency of their manuscripts before submitting them to journals and conferences, (b) provides students with guidelines to improve their understanding of research transparency, and (c) provides reviewers and journal editors with a tool to assess manuscripts and offer developmental feedback to authors. RTI saves authors, students, reviewers, and editors time by providing an automated assessment of transparency criteria, which can be updated in the future, given that we make the Python code available. Also, it promotes a culture of transparency, fostering trust and credibility in the scholarly community and among users of the knowledge we produce (e.g., organization and policy decision-makers).