Some text books e.g. Design and Analysis of Experiments by Douglas C. Montgomery have shown minimum number of replication needed in a two factor experiment with continuous outcome variable.
Calculating the number of replications needed in a two-factor experiment with a binary outcome variable involves considerations such as desired statistical power, effect size, significance level, and potential variability. Here's a step-by-step approach:
Define Your Factors: Identify the two factors you're studying and their levels. For example, Factor A might have levels A1 and A2, and Factor B might have levels B1 and B2.
Estimate the Proportions: Estimate the proportions of the binary outcome variable for each combination of factor levels. You might base this estimate on pilot data, previous studies, or theoretical considerations.
Choose a Statistical Test: Determine the appropriate statistical test for analyzing your data. For binary outcome variables, this might be logistic regression or a chi-square test.
Determine Effect Size: Decide on the effect size that you consider meaningful or important to detect. This could be the difference in proportions or odds ratios between different factor levels.
Select Significance Level (α): Choose the desired level of significance, typically set at 0.05.
Decide on Statistical Power (1 - β): Choose the desired statistical power, which represents the probability of detecting a true effect if it exists. Commonly chosen values for power range from 0.80 to 0.95.
Estimate Variability: Estimate the variability in your data. For binary outcomes, this might involve estimating the standard deviation of proportions or odds ratios.
Perform Power Analysis: Use statistical software or online calculators to perform a power analysis. Input your chosen significance level, desired power, estimated effect size, and variability.
Calculate Sample Size or Number of Replications: The output of the power analysis will give you the required sample size or number of replications needed for each combination of factor levels.
Adjust for Design Complexity: If your experimental design involves additional factors, interactions, or covariates, you may need to adjust the sample size calculation accordingly.
Sensitivity Analysis: Conduct sensitivity analysis by varying the input parameters (e.g., effect size, variability) to assess how changes affect the required sample size.
Finalize Sample Size: Based on the results of the power analysis and sensitivity analysis, determine the final number of replications needed for each combination of factor levels in your experiment.
Remember to consult with a statistician or use statistical software for precise calculations tailored to your specific experimental design and hypotheses.