Software for designing rigorous and replicable preclinical research: The Experimental Design Accelerator

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Experimental Design
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Growing concerns regarding non-replicable results and flawed experimental designs in basic and preclinical biomedical research.
• Issues include lack of internal validity, external validity, and translational validity in current research practices.
• Need for improved methodologies to ensure the rigor and reproducibility of scientific findings.

Discussion:

• The Experimental Design Accelerator (XDA) is presented as an Internet-based, interactive software solution.
• XDA assists researchers in designing, conducting, and documenting experiments to enhance rigor and replicability.
• It guides users through critical design decisions, offering background information and evaluating choices.

Key Insights:

• XDA systematically addresses key experimental design elements: research model selection, hypothesis development, variable identification, error management, sample size determination, and statistical analysis.
• The software facilitates consistent experiment execution and comprehensive documentation for accurate replication.
• Integrated resources include an online statistics book and access to expert consultation.

Outlook:

• XDA offers a novel approach to improving the quality and reliability of biomedical research.
• Potential applications of interactive software tools in enhancing scientific research practices are highlighted.
• The tool aims to foster more robust and reproducible scientific outcomes.