Findings, implications and lessons learned
A mistake was made in the execution of the experiment. This may have been the fault of the technician who did not listen to his/her instructions or possibly the instructions were not sufficiently clear. Mistakes can occur in any study and so it is important that the person in charge of an experiment keeps a close eye on what is going on and makes sure that experimental data sheets are written neatly and kept up to date. Likewise a biometrician needs to write down clearly (and keep a record of) the design of an experiment and any other instructions he/she wishes the researcher to follow. It is always a good idea for the biometrician to visit the experimental site himself/herself to see the layout of the experiment and to observe measurements being undertaken. He/she will better understand the nature of the experiment and the sources of experimental errors likely to arise. Mistakes can occur at any time or situations arise where the researcher needs to modify the design. A biometrician needs to be able to respond quickly to such situations and advise the researcher accordingly. Bearing in mind that drop-outs can occur in any animal experiment for a variety of reasons unrelated to the treatments being offered it is often advisable to assign one or two extra animals to the experiment at the start |
