Animal Experiment Sample Size Calculator
Here’s a simplified table summarizing key aspects related to sample size determination for animal experiments:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Study Design | Types (e.g., randomized controlled trials, observational studies) |
| Statistical Power | Generally, a power of 0.80 (80%) is recommended to detect a true effect |
| Effect Size | The magnitude of the difference you expect to detect (small, medium, large) |
| Alpha Level | Typically set at 0.05 for significance testing |
| Variability | Standard deviation of the outcome measures used to estimate sample size |
| Ethical Considerations | Follow the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement |
| Pilot Studies | Conduct pilot studies to estimate parameters like effect size and variability |
| Type of Animal | Different species have different physiological and behavioral characteristics |
| Expected Dropout Rate | Account for potential loss of subjects during the study |
| Sample Size Calculation | Use statistical software or formulas (e.g., G*Power, Epi Info) for precise calculations |
| Regulatory Guidelines | Follow guidelines from bodies like NIH, ARRIVE, and local ethics committees |