A Guide to Sample Size for Animal-based Studies

Animal-based research is a crucial part of basic and preclinical research, but it poses unique experimental design challenges. This book provides a systematic approach to "rightsizing" animal-based experiments, with sample size estimates based on statistical thinking, to ensure scientifically valid and reliable results. It offers step-by-step guidance, detailed treatment of research topics, and numerous worked examples, making it a must-have reference for preclinical and veterinary researchers, ethical oversight committees, and policymakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Animal-based research is a crucial component of basic and preclinical studies, yet it presents unique challenges in experimental design. The three Rs, Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, form the ethical framework for humane animal-based research. However, many researchers face difficulties in navigating the trade-offs between minimizing animal use and producing rigorous and reliable scientific information.

A Guide to Sample Size for Animal-based Studies aims to address this need by providing a comprehensive and accessible reference work on the subject. This book offers a systematic approach to "rightsizing" animal-based experiments, utilizing statistical principles such as structured research questions, variation control, and appropriate experimental design. By following these guidelines, researchers can plan animal-based experiments to ensure scientifically valid and reliable results.

The book provides step-by-step guidance in diverse methods for approximating and refining sample size, covering topics specific to animal-based research, including pilot, feasibility, and proof-of-concept studies. It also discusses sample size approximation methods for different types of data and study types, such as description, comparison, nested designs, reference interval construction, and dose-response studies. Numerous worked examples, using real data from published papers, are included along with SAS and R code to facilitate practical implementation.

A Guide to Sample Size for Animal-based Studies is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals involved in animal-based research. It serves as a comprehensive guide to planning and executing animal-based experiments, ensuring the ethical and scientific use of animal subjects while maximizing the yield of valuable research findings.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 217 x 275 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119799979