Handbook of Ethological Methods

A thoroughly updated and expanded step-wise guide to the study of animal behaviour.

Philip N. Lehner (Author)

9780521637503, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 April 1998

694 pages, 132 b/w illus. 82 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.9 cm, 1.09 kg

'To anyone having an interest in insect behaviour, this text will revolutionize their capacity for observation. For those starting out on insect behaviour research projects, the text is an essential reference source.' R. L. H. Dennis, Entomologist's Gazette

At first glance, studying behavior is easy, but as every budding ethologist quickly realises, there are a host of complex practical, methodological and analytical problems to solve before designing and conducting the study. How do you choose which species or which behavior to study? What equipment will you need to observe and record behavior successfully? How do you record data in the dark, in the wet, or without missing part of the action? How do you analyse and interpret the data to yield meaningful information? This new expanded edition of the Handbook of Ethological Methods provides a complete step-by-step introduction to ethological methods from topic choice and behavioral description to data collection and statistical analysis. This book will be a must for beginning students and experienced researchers studying animal behavior in the field or laboratory.

Preface
1. Introduction
Part I. Getting Started: 2. A conceptual model of animal behavior
3. Choice of subject
4. Reconnaissance observation
5. Delineation of research
6. Design of research
7. Experimental research
Part II. Collecting the Data: 8. Data collection methods
9. Data collection equipment
10. Selected examples of data collection and description
Part III. Analysing the Results: 11. Introduction to statistical methods
12. Selecting a statistical test
13. Parametric statistical tests
14. Nonparametric statistical tests
15. Rates of behavior and analysis of sequences
16. Statistical analyses for spatial orientation, time and spatial patterns
17. Presentation and interpretation of results
Bibliography
Appendices: A. Statistical figures and tables
B. Microcomputers: an overview for ethologists by James Ha
C. Guidelines for the use of animals in research
D. Ethics in animal behavior research
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal behaviour [PSVP]