Intro to Quantitative Ecology

Week 02 Pre-Class Assignment

Key Concepts

• The importance of quantitative skills in ecology
• The role of planning in science.

Readings

These questions cover the material in:

• Barraquand et al., 2014
• Gardener Chapter 1

Questions

Question 1

3 pts, multiple-choice

Barraquand et al. (2014) state that quantitative proficiency is increasingly important in part because statistical models software mathematical literacy funding significance and ecological theory advanced methods computation results p-values have become more intertwined and there is increased access to statistical software ecological theory data mathematical literacy courses .

Question 2

As you read the Barraquand et al. (2014) paper, think about your previous experience with quantitative topics such as mathematics, statistics, etc.

4 pts. short essay

• Based on the Barraquand et al. reading, describe two skills you think will be particularly important for you to learn in the couse this semester.
• For each of your skills, briefly explain why you think it will be important for your education, career, general understanding.

Question 3

“In Chapter 1 (section 1), Gardener organizes the scientific method into four stages.”

• Keep the four stages in mind as you read the rest of the chapter.

2 pts, short answer, 2-4 sentences.

• Select one of the four stages described in sections 1.1.1 through 1.1.4.
• Briefly describe why you think your chosen stage is important.

Question 4

“In Chapter 1 (section 1), Gardener organizes the scientific method into four stages.”

• Keep the four stages in mind as you read the rest of the chapter.

2 pts, short answer, 2-4 sentences.

• Select one tool or idea from sections 1.2 through 1.6 that is relevant to your chosen stage. Briefly describe how the tool/idea is used in your chosen stage.

Question 5

“What you need is a sampling strategy that eliminates bias. (Gardener 2014)”

1. As you read chapter 1, watch for Gardner’s definition and description of bias.
2. While reading the chapter, think about sources and consequences of biased sampling.

2 pts, short answer

• Why is it important to minimize bias in data collection?

3 pts, short answer

• Hypothesize a real-life negative consequence of research that used a biased sample.

Question 6

“The type of data you have guides the choice of analytical methods you can use.”

2 pts, short answer

• Which type of data scale does the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale use to quantify pain?
• Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

Question 7

“Scientists have precise definitions for terms like theory and hypothesis that may differ from how these words are used in the general public.”

2 pts, short answer

• Compare the ways scientists and the general public use the term theory.

2 pts, short answer

• Describe a situation in which the different meanings of theory could lead to confusion.

Submit to Moodle

These questions are for your reference, the same questions will appear in the assignment page on Moodle.

You should do your work outside of Moodle, saving your answers in a document and/or R script file.

When you are ready to submit your answers, you can paste your complete responses in the corresponding Moodle question entries for the assignment.