Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface to first edition
- Preface to second edition
- Summary: the steps involved in measuring behaviour
- 1 Introduction
- 2 General issues
- 3 Research design
- 4 Preliminaries to measurement
- 5 Measures of behaviour
- 6 Recording methods
- 7 The recording medium
- 8 The reliability and validity of measures
- 9 Analysis and interpretation of data
- Appendices
- Annotated bibliography
- Index
4 - Preliminaries to measurement
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface to first edition
- Preface to second edition
- Summary: the steps involved in measuring behaviour
- 1 Introduction
- 2 General issues
- 3 Research design
- 4 Preliminaries to measurement
- 5 Measures of behaviour
- 6 Recording methods
- 7 The recording medium
- 8 The reliability and validity of measures
- 9 Analysis and interpretation of data
- Appendices
- Annotated bibliography
- Index
Summary
Preliminary observations
Quantitative recording of behaviour should be preceded by a period of informal observation, aimed at understanding and describing both the subjects and the behaviour it is intended to measure. Preliminary observation is important for two reasons: first, because it provides the raw material for formulating questions and hypotheses; and second, because choosing the right measures and recording methods requires familiarity with the subjects and their behaviour. Preliminary observation is especially important if the problems or animals are new to the investigator.
The hypotheses that direct a study can seldom be formulated in isolation; rather, they reflect existing knowledge and theories, as well as the investigator's own interests and hunches. Effective research therefore requires the investigator to be familiar with the subjects, both by direct experience of watching them and by reading the literature about their biology and behaviour. A period of preliminary observation also provides a valuable opportunity for sharpening up questions and hypotheses, practising recording methods and generating additional or supplementary hypotheses. Most biologists would argue that an initial phase of description is an essential precursor to quantification, since before the right questions can be asked it is essential to know what there is to ask questions about.
We cannot over-state the importance of simply watching before starting to measure systematically. Beginners often falter early in a study because they rush to obtain ‘hard data’ and do not allow sufficient time to watch, think and frame interesting questions.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Measuring BehaviourAn Introductory Guide, pp. 56 - 61Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1993
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