Bayesian sample size determination for detecting heterogeneity in multi-site replication studies

An ongoing “replication crisis” calls into question scientific discoveries across a variety of disciplines ranging from life to social sciences. Replication studies aim to investigate the validity of findings in published research, and try to assess whether the latter are statistically consistent with those in the replications. While the majority of replication projects are based on a single experiment, multiple independent replications of the same experiment conducted simultaneously at different sites are becoming more frequent. In connection with these types of projects, we deal with testing heterogeneity among sites; specifically, we focus on sample size determination suitable to deliver compelling evidence once the experimental data are gathered.