To replicate, or not to replicate - that should not be a question

Ecol Lett. 2019 Jul;22(7):1174-1175. doi: 10.1111/ele.13286. Epub 2019 May 29.

Abstract

Recent simulations suggest that ecologists can enhance the predictive ability of models by designing experiments that maximise the number of levels of an experimental factor by sacrificing replication. Here, I describe how these simulations were based on a faulty metric of prediction success and reinforce the importance of replication.

Keywords: Ecological models; experimental design; general linear model; polynomial contrasts; prediction success; replication; statistics; trend analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Ecology*
  • Reproduction*