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Publication bias (the tendency for studies with positive results to be more easily published than studies with null or negative results) and outcome switching (the adjustment of study aims to match results) have long been problematic in medical research. Recent legislation, protocol-registration sites, and agreements by medical journals have led to a reduction of these problems in medical research. In medical education specifically, however, there is no such legislation, registration, or agreement. This paper argues for the creation of such a registration site and agreement by medical education journals as a matter of ethical necessity.

Publication bias (the tendency for studies with positive results to be more easily published than studies with null or negative results) and outcome switching (the adjustment of study aims to match results) have long been problematic in medical research. Recent legislation, protocol-registration sites, and agreements by medical journals have led to a reduction of these problems in medical research. In medical education specifically, however, there is no such legislation, registration, or agreement. This paper argues for the creation of such a registration site and agreement by medical education journals as a matter of ethical necessity.