Optimizing Sample Size for Animal-Based Studies: A Comprehensive Guide

Animal-based research plays a vital role in basic and preclinical research, but it poses unique experimental design challenges. One of the most critical aspects of animal-based studies is navigating the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), the ethical framework for humane animal research. However, many researchers struggle to balance minimizing animal use with producing scientifically valid and reliable results.

A Guide to Sample Size for Animal-based Studies bridges this gap by providing a thorough and accessible reference work on the subject. This innovative book offers a systematic approach to rightsizing animal-based experiments, ensuring scientifically valid and reliable results.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Accurate Sample Size Estimation

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step guidance on diverse methods for approximating and refining sample size, including:

• Pilot, feasibility, and proof-of-concept studies
• Sample size approximation methods for different types of data (binary, continuous, ordinal, time to event)
• Different study types (description, comparison, nested designs, reference interval construction, and dose-response studies)

Worked Examples and Code for Real-World Data Analysis

The book includes numerous worked examples using real data from published papers, accompanied by SAS and R code. This hands-on approach enables researchers to apply the methods to their own studies, ensuring accurate sample size estimation and reliable results.

A Guide to Sample Size for Animal-based Studies is an indispensable reference for:

• Precclinical and veterinary researchers
• Ethical oversight committees
• Policymakers

This book offers a one-stop solution for researchers, providing a structured approach to designing experiments, controlling variation, and producing reliable results. By optimizing sample size, researchers can ensure the validity and reliability of their findings, ultimately advancing the field of animal-based research.

Publication Details:

Publisher: Wiley

Language: English

ISBN: 9781119799979, 9781119799993

Publication Date: August 29, 2023