Proprietary LLMs impede scientific transparency and reproducibility

Killian L. McLoughlin; Alexis Palmer; J. Nathan Matias; M. J. Crockett

doi:10.1038/s44159-026-00593-8

Proprietary LLMs impede scientific transparency and reproducibility

Killian L. McLoughlin
, Alexis Palmer
, J. Nathan Matias
, M. J. Crockett

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

Abstract

Large language models are rapidly transforming the methods of psychological research, but the use of proprietary models poses risks to transparency and reproducibility. Prioritizing open models and standardizing reporting practices can ensure these tools support — rather than undermine — scientific progress.

Original language	English (US)
Journal	Nature Reviews Psychology
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-026-00593-8
State	Accepted/In press - 2026

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Developmental and Educational Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Psychology (miscellaneous)

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10.1038/s44159-026-00593-8

Cite this

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title = "Proprietary LLMs impede scientific transparency and reproducibility",

abstract = "Large language models are rapidly transforming the methods of psychological research, but the use of proprietary models poses risks to transparency and reproducibility. Prioritizing open models and standardizing reporting practices can ensure these tools support — rather than undermine — scientific progress.",

author = "McLoughlin, \{Killian L.\} and Alexis Palmer and Matias, \{J. Nathan\} and Crockett, \{M. J.\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} Springer Nature America, Inc. 2026.",

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doi = "10.1038/s44159-026-00593-8",

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AU - McLoughlin, Killian L.

AU - Palmer, Alexis

AU - Matias, J. Nathan

AU - Crockett, M. J.

PY - 2026

Y1 - 2026

N2 - Large language models are rapidly transforming the methods of psychological research, but the use of proprietary models poses risks to transparency and reproducibility. Prioritizing open models and standardizing reporting practices can ensure these tools support — rather than undermine — scientific progress.

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DO - 10.1038/s44159-026-00593-8

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SN - 2731-0574

JO - Nature Reviews Psychology

JF - Nature Reviews Psychology

ER -

Proprietary LLMs impede scientific transparency and reproducibility

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

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