How useful do you think the calculators are to interpretation of published studies in terms of what they can tell us given the known or suspected degree of between- and within-person variance in biomarkers? Consider arguments of question 4.1. (please explain)

Answer Explanations

• Very important

  Expert 3
   This is a very interesting idea. The calculators could be used to verify and review articles. However, the issue I see is that relevant information (e.g., variance components, raw data) is often not published or cannot be derived from the presented data. Additionally, the calculators are not complete. They need to account for at least the variabilities of biomarkers and exposure and should allow for the entry of parameter ranges. 
• Very important

  Expert 2
  The calculators are highly useful for interpreting published studies by enhancing the precision, validity, and generalizability of findings, because within-person variability can obscure true associations between exposure and outcomes. These tools may assess the impact of variability on statistical power, informing researchers about potential biases and the need for larger sample sizes or repeated measurements. Additionally, they assist in optimizing study design by guiding resource allocation and improving the reliability of exposure-response relationships, ultimately providing a clearer understanding of the true effects of exposure. 
• Very important

  Expert 1
  Retrospectively assessing published studies using the calculators would be extremely useful, especially if you were planning on conducting your own study and wanted to improve on the published study. Some of the factors in 4.4 and 4.5 might be of value if the scientist was able to enter basic information about the study and alternative options were provided that may improve on the published study.
• Important

  Expert 9
  The calculators could be useful if the relevant information (between- and within-person variance) is made available by the authors.  This is additional motivation for recommending that authors include this information in results or appendices; not only can it help evaluate the published study, but can also be useful for researchers designing future studies.
• Equivocal

  Expert 8
  Depending on what it reported in the studies they can be useful. 
• Important

  Expert 5
  I think they are useful, especially for those researchers who do not have a background or understanding of these issues.  
• Equivocal

  Expert 4
  The calculators are for sample size estimation and may not be important to interpret results with known between- and within-person variance.