>
> >of course, the problem we will have if we use several control groups with
> bee research is that the control groups are likely to differ enough to cast
> doubt on the results.


Dean, this is an inherent problem in bee research--the great variability
between colonies (even with sister queens).

That's what statistics if for--trying to pick out the "signal" from the
"noise."

The smaller the proportional effect of the treatment, the larger an "n"
(number of colonies in the trial) you need.

In the trial that I am proposing, beekeepers are telling me that it is a
black/white situation--thrive or crash.  So to test that hypothesis should
be relatively easy.

Randy Oliver

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