BISC 204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Statistical Unit, Alagnak River, Statistical Power
Document Summary
Ecologists use various different methods to study ecological systems and are outlined below along with key components. Proposed explanation for observed phenomenon (based on theory and/or work) It is rare for a hypotheses to be confirmed completely. Cause of immediate changes in individual phenotypes or interactions. Address the fitness costs and benefits of a response. Most important component is defining the question and tailoring methods to appropriately answer it. Core principles of any quantitative study are randomization and replication. Need to capture the heterogeneity (aka variability) (representative sample) Quadrat samples (small quantitative samples, spread out spatially) at random transects (a line measuring tape) in random directions locations. Can stratify random sampling by some other factor (habitat, sex, species, etc. ) Multiple variables can then be compared to determine if relationships occur between these variables. For example, you might be interested in knowing whether rainfall affects plant productivity.