# TOP 2025: build a verifiable research package

Decision workbook and teaching example · 2026-10-06

The completed case is fictional. Its values and decisions are not actual findings; complete your project using relevant permissions, methods and requirements.

- Project: ____________________
- Researcher and role: ____________________
- Date and version: ____________________
- Data seen before the decision: ____________________
- Aim and scope: ____________________

## Completed example

| Stage/decision | Example | Check or action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registration | Actual status and date | Provide identifier or disclose absence. |
| Protocol and analysis | Version 1.0 before execution | Link release and amendments. |
| Materials | Exercise and measurement instructions | Inventory permitted replication materials. |
| Code and data | Teaching inputs, README and outputs | Define rights, release and execution. |
| Certification | Not yet performed | Do not invent independent checks. |

## Complete your own record

| Topic | Actual decision and reason | Evidence link and status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registration | __________ | __________ |
| Protocol and analysis | __________ | __________ |
| Materials | __________ | __________ |
| Code and data | __________ | __________ |
| Certification | __________ | __________ |

## Completion checks

- [ ] Practice-level-evidence-owner matrix.
- [ ] Availability statement matching actual access.
- [ ] Release checks and truthful verification record.

## Changes and limitations

| Date | Change | Data known at decision time | Reason | Consequence for claim | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |

## Sources and further reading

- [Center for Open Science — TOP 2025](https://www.cos.io/initiatives/top-guidelines)
- [OSF Support — Registration templates](https://help.osf.io/article/330-welcome-to-registrations)
- [Cornell Data Services — Writing READMEs for Research Data](https://data.research.cornell.edu/data-management/sharing/readme/)

Related guide: https://didgar-research-site1.vercel.app/en/guides/top-2025-transparency/