A study was performed on 20 trees to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer. The results of this specific study is brought into question. What would possibly improve the reliability of the results?

Question

Biology

Darien Mclaughlin

2 May, 02:55

A study was performed on 20 trees to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer. The results of this specific study is brought into question. What would possibly improve the reliability of the results?

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Margaret Shields · Answer 1

A) Replicate this study and perform more trials.

Explanation:

just took the test

Journey Brady · Answer 2

Depending on the experimental setup, there are many factors that may lead to scientists questioning the results' reliability. For example all the trees would have to belong to the same species, have a similar age, same soil, light exposure etc.

However, most probably the critique was due to the low sample size. 20 trees is too small a number to draw any conclusive results. With such a small number of test subjects, other factors could also explain the results.

Thus, the best way would be to use at least 50 or even better 100 individuals.