Quantifying Manuscript Changes Associated with Peer Review: A Preregistered, Multi-Study Program

This project investigates how peer review is associated with observable changes in scientific manuscripts by comparing preprint versions with their corresponding peer-reviewed published versions. The project is preregistered and observational. It does not assume that peer review causally improves scientific quality. Instead, it quantifies changes across multiple predefined dimensions (e.g., statistical reporting, transparency indicators, and methodological clarity) and examines how these changes vary by contextual factors such as discipline and journal practices. All hypotheses, variables, inclusion criteria, and analysis plans are specified prior to data access to ensure transparency and reproducibility.