Hello list, I have been looking for, and have accumulated some, literature on how replicate samples are treated in long-term data sets. I am working with zooplankton and am analyzing a data set that has three replicate samples taken at each sampling occasion. Many studies that I've run across simply average such replicate samples to give a single estimate for that occasion.
Specifically, I am interested in using these data to determine maximum densities and the timing of maximum densities of zooplankton, which vary considerably over the year. Based on what I have seen elsewhere, I, initially, used an average of the triplicate samples for each occasion and have looked at the data in this way, however it seems to me that there should be a better way that incorporates the variation among the samples. Although it seems like there should be a better way, I have not found a suitable resolution. Perhaps I'm missing something obvious or perhaps there is something that could be adapted to this problem. If anyone is willing to help, I would be very grateful for tips, citations or suggestions based on published literature that deals with how replicate samples have been treated and how to incorporate the variation among these replicates. Obviously, zooplankton and time series that address identifying the timing and magnitude of the maxima are very valuable. I would be happy to compile a list of responses to post to the list or send to individuals. If anyone is willing to have an off-list conversation, that would also be appreciated, for more complicated thoughts or responses. Many thanks, Todd Levine
