Measuring Behaviour

Question 1

approaches: psychology vs. ethology

Answer 1

psych=focus on how behaviour works and how it develops
-usually done in a LAB
ethology=focus on what behaviour is for and why it evolved
-field setting

Question 2

What to consider in a study

Answer 2

• species
• setting
• behaviours feasible in the setting
• time of day
• how presence of observer will affect animal
• ethical considerations
• group vs. individuals
• events vs. states

Question 3

how to begin measuring behaviour

Answer 3

• ask a question
• make prelimiary observations
• identify behavioural variables need to be measured
• formulate hypothesis
• chose suitable recording methods
• collect and analyze data
• interpret results
• consider alternate interpretations, recognize limitations

Question 4

types of measures

Answer 4

lactency
frequency
duration

Question 5

latency

Answer 5

time from some specified event to the onset of the first occurrence of the behaviour

Question 6

frequency

Answer 6

-total # of occurrences of behaviour pattern per unit time

Question 7

duration

Answer 7

length of time which a single occurrence of behaviour lasts

Question 8

events

Answer 8

behavioural patterns of short duration that happen as points in time
-ie. vocalizations, ear twitch

Question 9

states

Answer 9

behavioural patterns of long duration where durations are mearsured
-ie. proximity to others, postures, feeding

Question 10

individuals vs. groups

Answer 10

can you consistently identify individuals in the group?

how would you define the group?

Question 11

recording methods

Answer 11

ad libitum sampling
focal sampling
scan sampling

Question 12

ad libitum sampling

Answer 12

write down whatever is visible or seems relevant

Question 13

focal sampling

Answer 13

observe ONE individual for a specified tiem and record all instances of behaviour

Question 14

scan sampling

Answer 14

group is scanned on ‘censured’ at regular intervals and behaviours of individuals recorded

Question 15

data collection methods

Answer 15

continuous/all-occurrence recording

or time sampling

Question 16

continuous/all-occurrence recording

Answer 16

measures true frequencies and durations of behaviour patterns

Question 17

time sampling

Answer 17

instantaneous sampling (scan or fixed-interval point time, at a certain time record observed behaviours)
one-zero sampling-at end of time interval record whether behaviour occured or not

Question 18

time sampling: choosing sample interval

Answer 18

• how many categories of behavior are being recorded?
• shorter time interval MORE ACCURATE representation of behaviour (only if measure d properly) ie. 30 sec more accurate than 2 min.
• trial and error: need to make sure provide true record of total time

Question 19

designing data sheet

Answer 19

choose behaviours measured to get time budget

-method of data collection

Question 20

reliability

Answer 20

• observer reliability/consistency: single observer obtains results when measuring same thing on diff occasions
• between two or more observers reliability