experiment-preregister

Locks an experiment spec with a cryptographic hash before data collection.

Updated Apr 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/marmikcfc/pepper-skills --skill experiment-preregister
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: experiment-preregister
Source: https://github.com/marmikcfc/pepper-skills/tree/main/skills/experiment-preregister
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/marmikcfc/pepper-skills --skill experiment-preregister

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Lock an experiment spec with a cryptographic hash before data collection to prevent post-hoc rationalization and ensure the integrity of the decision process.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Tamper-proof locking: generates a hash of the draft and writes a locked version before data collection.
  • Bet/status integration: updates bet status to reflect preregistration.
  • Guided workflow: load draft, validate fields, and produce a locked spec with a reference in experiments/active/exp-NNN.locked.md.

Quick Start

Lock an approved experiment's draft with a SHA-256 hash and write a locked record before data collection.

Frequently Asked Questions about experiment-preregister

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I preregister an experiment to prevent post-hoc rationalization?

You lock the experiment specification with a cryptographic SHA-256 hash before data collection. This generates a tamper-proof record that prevents post-hoc rationalization of your results.

What is a tamper-proof experiment lock and how does it work?

A tamper-proof experiment lock generates a SHA-256 hash of your draft specification and writes a locked markdown record. This secures the integrity of the decision process before data collection begins.

Do I need an API key to lock an experiment specification?

Yes, locking an experiment requires a PEPPER_CLOUD_URL and PEPPER_API_KEY. You must also provide an experiment ID, such as exp-007, to successfully write the locked specification.

Where is the locked experiment specification file stored?

The locked experiment specification is written to the file path experiments/active/exp-NNN.locked.md. This saves the tamper-proof hashed record in your active experiments directory.

When should I lock an experiment draft with a cryptographic hash?

You should lock an experiment draft when a bet is approved and before any traffic or spend is committed. This guarantees a tamper-proof record exists prior to data collection.

Does preregistering an experiment update the bet status?

Yes, preregistering an experiment updates the bet status to reflect the completed preregistration. This integrates the hash locking process directly with your bet tracking workflow.