Question

Assume you have a lowly repeatable trait that is expensive to measure. Describe your thought process to determine how many times to phenotype this trait. What is your ultimate decision?

Answer 1

When determining how many times to phenotype a lowly repeatable trait, a scientist needs to consider trait variability, statistical significance, and cost. The ultimate decision will depend on the specific circumstances and objectives of the study.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining how many times to phenotype a lowly repeatable trait that is expensive to measure, a scientist needs to consider a few factors:

1. First, they need to determine the level of variability within the trait. If there is a high level of variability, it may be necessary to measure the trait multiple times to obtain an accurate representation.
2. Next, the scientist needs to consider the statistical significance they want to achieve. The more times they measure the trait, the higher the statistical significance they can achieve.
3. Lastly, the scientist needs to balance the cost of measuring the trait with the importance of obtaining accurate data. They may need to weigh the benefits of measuring the trait multiple times against the cost of doing so.

Based on these considerations, the ultimate decision will depend on the specific circumstances and objectives of the study. The scientist may decide to measure the trait a certain number of times to ensure accuracy while managing costs and time constraints.