Conducting Behaviour Observations Flashcards
Difference between sampling rules and recording rules
Sampling rules: specifies which subjects to watch and when
Recording rules: specifies how the behaviour is recorded
Examples of sampling and recording rule techniques
Sampling = ad libitum, focal sampling, scan sampling and behaviour sampling
Recording = continuous, one-zero sampling
What is ad libitum sampling? Caveat?
Sampling rule
NO constrains on what is recorded/when
Note whatever is visible/ seems relevant (sit, watch, record as much/as little as you want)
Caveat = observations biased towards beh patterns that are the most obvious
What is focal (animal) sampling? Caveat?
Sampling rule
Observe one individual (or a dyad, litter, group, etc) for specified amount of time and record all instances of its behaviour (diff categories of behs)
Good for studying large groups
Caveat = difficult under field conditions, when focal animal(s) out of view
What is scan sampling? Caveat?
Sampling rule
Whole group of subjects is rapidly scanned at regular intervals and the beh of each at that instant is recorded
Can be combined with other methods
Caveat = restricts observer to limited number of behaviour categories (cannot do fast beh)
What is behaviour sampling
Sampling rule
Watching whole group and recording each occurrence of particular type of beh, and individuals who were involved
Good for rare but significant behaviours (fighting, reproduction)
What is continuous recording
Recording rule
Each occurrence of behaviour pattern is recorded, info about its time of occurrence
Exact record (time it occurred for events, when it started/stopped for states)
Info about freq/duration
What is time sampling
RECORDING RULE
Sampling the behaviour periodically (sometimes watching sometimes not), can record several categories of beh simultaneously
Less info/no exact record
What are the two principles of time sampling
Instantaneous sampling (“visual photo,” what happens in one instant)
One-zero sampling (watch from zero -> 1min, note what was seen, turn to next group)
In time sampling, what are sample intervals? Sample points?
Interval = observation session divided into successive, short periods of time
Point = instant of time at the end of each sample interval
Event vs state
Event = short behaviour (blink)
State = lasts a long time (sleeping)
Slide 15, 16**
Time sampling (instant, one-zero)
What does the size of the sample interval depend on
Number of behaviour categories being observed
Nature of the behaviour
Benefits of a shorter sample interval? Downfalls?
More accurate time-sample record, more accurate data (more data points)
BUT difficult for recording several categories of beh
Recording medium options available
Video recordings
Verbal descriptions
Automatic recording devices (e.g. fit bit)