Measuring Behaviour
An Introductory Guide

Explains the concepts and practical methods of behavioural science in clear, concise terms: vital for understanding humans, animals and AIs.

Melissa Bateson (Author), Paul Martin (Author)

9781108745727, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 May 2021

246 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.41 kg

'Over the past several years I have recommended Measuring Behaviour to students, postdocs and even accomplished researchers. Since its initial publication, Measuring Behaviour has saved many investigators from shabby technique and the reinvention of unsatisfactory new wheels. ... This new edition represents a greatly enlarged and modernised vision of behavioural measurement. The new edition (boldly but quite correctly) discusses the measurement of human and non-human behaviour in parallel. In addition to the bricks and mortar issues of sampling frequency and ethograms, the new edition considers the replication crisis, basic principles of research design, and the ethics of studying living subjects. It would be a marvellous text for a course on behavioural research method, but every serious student of behavioural empiricism will benefit from this work. It is truly a tour de force.' David Stephens, Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour, University of Minnesota, USA

Measuring Behaviour is the established go-to text for anyone interested in scientific methods for studying the behaviour of animals or humans. It is widely used by students, teachers and researchers in a variety of fields, including biology, psychology, the social sciences and medicine. This new fourth edition has been completely rewritten and reorganised to reflect major developments in how behavioural studies are conducted. It includes new sections on the replication crisis, covering Open Science initiatives such as preregistration, as well as fully up-to-date information on the use of remote sensors, big data and artificial intelligence in capturing and analysing behaviour. The sections on the analysis and interpretation of data have been rewritten to align with current practices, with advice on avoiding common pitfalls. Although fully revised and revamped, this new edition retains the simplicity, clarity and conciseness that have made Measuring Behaviour a classic since the first edition appeared more than 30 years ago.

Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Science and Truth
3. Choosing a Research Question
4. Designing a Behavioural Study
5. Ethics and the Law
6. Defining Behavioural Metrics
7. Recording Methods
8. Recording Technology
9. Individuals and Groups
10. Measurement Quality
11. Data Analysis
12. Interpreting and Communicating Findings
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Animal behaviour [PSVP], Neurosciences [PSAN], Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM]