Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Think before you measure
- 3 Getting started
- 4 Individuals and groups
- 5 Recording methods
- 6 The recording medium
- 7 How good are your measures?
- 8 How good is your research design?
- 9 Statistical analysis
- 10 Analysing specific aspects of behaviour
- 11 Interpreting and presenting findings
- Appendix 1 Units of measurement
- Appendix 2 Some statistical terms
- Appendix 3 Advice on statistics textbooks
- Appendix 4 Checklist to consult before publication
- References
- Index
9 - Statistical analysis
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Think before you measure
- 3 Getting started
- 4 Individuals and groups
- 5 Recording methods
- 6 The recording medium
- 7 How good are your measures?
- 8 How good is your research design?
- 9 Statistical analysis
- 10 Analysing specific aspects of behaviour
- 11 Interpreting and presenting findings
- Appendix 1 Units of measurement
- Appendix 2 Some statistical terms
- Appendix 3 Advice on statistics textbooks
- Appendix 4 Checklist to consult before publication
- References
- Index
Summary
General advice on statistics
We appreciate that most people who read this book will learn most about statistics when they start to analyse their own data. In general, we advise against poorly informed cook book approaches to statistical analysis. Our aim in this chapter is to consider briefly some of the main issues that arise in the statistical analysis of behavioural data. This is not a statistics textbook, however, and for an account of statistical methodologies you should consult one of the many excellent books available, but preferably one that has as its target a biological or psychological audience (e.g. Zar, 1999; Sprinthall, 2003). In Appendix 3 we have given an annotated list of books that we have encountered.
Given the inherent variability in biological systems, statistical analysis is often essential for unravelling what is going on. Nonetheless, excessively complicated statistics are sometimes used as a substitute for clarity of thought or good research design. Do not become obsessed by statistical techniques, nor too cavalier in their use. Statistical analysis, no matter how arcane or exquisite, can never replace real data.
Besides sometimes being over-used, statistical techniques are frequently misused in the behavioural literature. We have already outlined one common error in Chapter 7 – that of including many data points from the same individual in the mistaken belief that they are independent measurements. In Chapter 11 we consider, among other things, the misinterpretation of multivariate statistics and the various misuses of correlation coefficients.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Measuring BehaviourAn Introductory Guide, pp. 103 - 120Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007