Low power in Genetic Syndrome Research
A new journal article, led by Emily and published in August 2026, examines statistical power in studies of people with genetic syndromes.
The article uses data from the Shape Research Change Lives project, and is the result of an international collaboration across three countries, bringing Emily together with Henrik Danielsson, Camilla Orefice, Sophia Alexiou, Laura Cristescu, Liz Pellicano, Jo Van Herwegen and Gaia Scerif.
The research highlights some of the challenges facing genetic syndrome research, where studies often rely on small sample sizes. The study found that the average statistical power of UK genetic syndrome research is only 54% for a medium effect size at an alpha level of 0.05, which is well below the recommended threshold of 80%. This study discusses that this low power can reduce the reliability and replicability of findings. It then considers ways in which researchers and the wider field can address these challenges and strengthen future research.
Importantly, the authors aim to encourage constructive discussion around research practices and reproducibility, rather than undermine the valuable work already taking place in this field.
The full paper is available through the British Journal of Developmental Psychology: Farran, E. K., Alexiou, S., Danielsson, H., Orefice, C., Cristescu, L., Pellicano, E., Van Herwegen, J., & Scerif, G. (2026). Statistical power in UK genetic syndrome research; evidence from studies of down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and Williams syndrome as model syndrome groups. British Journal of Developmental Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjdp.70065
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