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Primate Behavior

An Exercise Workbook, Second Edition

J. D. Paterson

The greatly revised and reformatted Second Edition of this outstanding workbook by a veteran primatologist conveys the fascination, ecstasy, and unpredictability inherent in the scientific research of primates. Seven introductory chapters incorporate the latest concepts in the field, offering a detailed guide for conducting scientific behavioral studies. Paterson explains the two main categories of statistics, demonstrates the practicalities of calculating a standard deviation, and discusses the usefulness of different high-tech devices for data collection and recording.
 

Twenty-three classroom-tested exercises—designed to implement the skills and techniques described in the first section of the book—emphasize accuracy, precision, and effective communication of results. A suite of field ecology exercises make the workbook useful at field school sites. Seasoned researchers as well as those new to the discipline of primatology research will benefit from this thorough, well-organized workbook. The companion CD includes relevant forms for recording and presenting research data as well as training video samples.
 

$30.95 list, 230 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-165-6

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-165-8

© 2001

Table of Contents

Part I. THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR

1. An Introduction to the Observation of Nonhuman Primate Behavior

2. Methodology in Primate Observation

3. Defining Behavior and Coding

4. A Statistical Primer

5. The Preparation of Scientific Reports: A Beginner’s Guide

6. Advanced Technology: Observation Using a Computer Data Logger

7. Field Gear, Equipment, and Accessories

Part II. EXERCISES

BASIC STUDIES: Preliminaries Necessary to All Research

Exercise 1. Animal Identification: Learning Faces and Bodies

Exercise 2. The Ethogram: A Basic Behavior Inventory

Exercise 3. The Observing Schedule

GROUP COMPARATIVE STUDIES: Appreciating the Differences between Species

Exercise 4. The Behavior Profile: A Comparative Study

Exercise 5. Time Budget: A State Behavior Duration Exercise

MAJOR MODES OF OBSERVATIONAL METHODS: Learning to Sample Effectively

Exercise 6. Scan Sampling: Instantaneous Scan Sampling of States of Behavior/Interval Sampling

Exercise 7. One/Zero Sampling: (Sometimes Called Hansen Frequencies)

Exercise 8. Focal Time Sampling: State Behavior Interval Sampling Procedure

Exercise 9. Focal Animal Sampling: Intensive Study of Behavior

Exercise 10. All Occurrences Sampling: Collecting Specified Forms of Behavior

Exercise 11. Matched Control Sampling: Studying Reconciliation Behavior

TESTING AND ANALYSIS: Tools for Understanding Behavior

Exercise 12. Inter-Observer Reliability Testing: Do Two People See the Same Things?

Exercise 13. Analytical Structures: Interaction Matrices and Sociograms

ECOLOGY FIELD EXERCISES

Exercise 14. The Line Transect Survey: How Many Primates Live in the Area?

Exercise 15. A Phenological Transect Survey: What Plants Are in Which Phases of Their Cycles in the Area?

Exercise 16. A Home Range Survey: What Is the Group’s Home Range? Quadrats versus Least Polygon

Exercise 17. Vegetation Sample Plots and Indices

Exercise 18. Vegetative Sampling and Voucher Specimens

Exercise 19. Fecal Analysis: Washing and Examination for Diet

APPLIED STUDY PROJECTS: Branching Out into Research Design

Exercise 20. A Spatial Location Study

Exercise 21. Exploring Postural Congruence

Exercise 22. A Nearest-Neighbor Study

Exercise 23. Sequential Behavior Studies