PONE-D-24-10379Critique of Enhanced Power Claimed for Quasi-ANCOVA and Dual-Centered ANCOVAPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Partly

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: I have not read the primary sources related to the method the authors critique. As such, I am assuming that they have faithfully described it.

This paper challenges the claim that the Quasi-ANOVA and dual-centered ANOVA models provide a power boost when assessing a treatment effect in a randomized controlled trial with pre-test data. The authors of this critique argue that both of these models underestimate the size of the standard error for the treatment effect because one of the predictors in the model is estimated, not observed, creating a generated regressor bias problem. Once this bias is addressed through 2SLS regression, the results of both of the above models converge with the results from standard models, producing no change in statistical power. I was fully convinced by these author's arguments and identified no errors in logic or the algebraic manipulation of equations.

A minor point: I was initially confused by the subscript 1 for the leftmost term in equation (1) until I got to equation (2). This confusion could be addressed when explaining the terms to equation (1).

Reviewer #2: The problem is simple. It is about pre-post test analysis. The ANOVA model is adequate. Two of the authors proposed a new model for the problem claiming better power. Now, in the current article, the authors proved that the power of both the models are the same. The original article was published in the Journal of adolescence. I suggest that the critique be submitted to the same journal.

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Reviewer #1: Yes: David B. Wilson

Reviewer #2: No

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Critique of Enhanced Power Claimed for Quasi-ANCOVA and Dual-Centered ANCOVA

PONE-D-24-10379R1

Dear Dr. Brorsen,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Surya Prakash Bhatt, Ph.D

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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