Research Methods

Research methods

• Naturalistic observation (Observational)

• Correlational research

• Experimentation

• Comparative method

• Cost-Benefit analysis

Naturalistic Observation

• Typical Behaviour of the species• Objective: precise description• Preliminary phase• Approach: watch, listen, record

– Sampling, frequency, time, context– Ethogram

• Problems: subject may be aware of being watched physically challenging

Correlational Research

• Study pairs of characteristics (variables) e.g. study time & grades

• Correlation (+,-, none)

• Correlation does not equal causation (e.g. lung cancer & smoking)

• No manipulation, study of naturally occurring relations

Experimentation

• Controlled observation: vary one aspect, control all others and observe the effects

• Experimental condition, control condition• Proceeds according to the scientific method• Variables: independent, dependent

(e.g. novelty grooming in rodents)

Comparative Method

• Comparisons of behavioural traits within or between species

• Tackles evolutionary questions

• Tentative conclusions re. role of environmental factors in the development of traits

…example…

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Behavioural Ecology

• Assumption: behaviours are not perfect, benefits outweigh the costs (e.g. foraging studies)

Naturalistic Observation: descriptive, no answer to the questions of ‘how’ or ‘why’, lack of control

Correlational Research: relations between variables, permits predictions re. variables, does not point to causality

Experimentation: causation, strict control, omission of important variables, sterile, artificial

Field experiments: normal behaviour, ethically controversial, loss of control

Comparative and Cost-Benefit analysis: speculative, tentative