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
5 - Recording methods
- 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
Sampling rules
When deciding on systematic rules for recording behaviour, two levels of decision must be made. The first, which we refer to as sampling rules, specifies which subjects to watch and when. This covers the distinction between ad libitum sampling, focal sampling, scan sampling and behaviour sampling. The second, which we refer to as recording rules, specifies how the behaviour is recorded. This covers the distinction between continuous recording and time sampling (which, in turn, is divided into instantaneous sampling and one-zero sampling; see Fig. 5.1). Do not use ‘focal (animal) sampling’ as a synonym for continuous recording described below. To do so would conflate a sampling rule (which individual is watched) with a recording rule (how behaviour is recorded).
In this section, we consider the four different sampling rules.
Ad libitum sampling means that no systematic constraints are placed on what is recorded or when. You simply note down whatever is visible and seems relevant at the time.
Clearly, the problem with this method is that observations will be biased towards those behaviour patterns and individuals which happen to be most conspicuous. For example, ad libitum sampling tends to miss brief responses and underestimates the involvement of some age groups in social interactions (Hernández-Lloreda, 2006). Provided this important limitation is borne in mind, however, ad libitum sampling can be useful during preliminary observations, or for recording rare but important events.
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- Information
- Measuring BehaviourAn Introductory Guide, pp. 48 - 61Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007
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