Question

How do researchers try to get around the problem of getting a ton of false positives in GWAS?

1) By using stringent statistical thresholds
2) By increasing the sample size
3) By replicating the findings in independent cohorts
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Researchers minimize false positives in GWAS through stringent statistical thresholds, larger sample sizes, and replicating findings in independent cohorts to validate results. The correct answer is Option 4) All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Researchers try to get around the problem of getting a ton of false positives in GWAS (Genome-wide Association Studies) by using a combination of strategies:

1. Using stringent statistical thresholds to minimize the chances of false discoveries due to random chance.
2. Increasing the sample size to enhance the statistical power of the study, making it more likely that true associations are detected and false ones are dismissed.
3. Replicating the findings in independent cohorts to confirm that the associations are not just coincidental and are consistently replicable, which is a key step in validating the results of the study.

All of these methods contribute to strengthening the confidence in the findings of GWAS and reduce the risk of false positives.