Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges for biologists is to make sure that they are measuring things objectively. For ecologists
and animal behaviorists this is especially difficult. In this exercise, we use simple tools (beans, gravel, nail polish, sow bugs
or bean beetles, tape, meter sticks, candles, IR thermometers and the Image-J software package) to demonstrate the
challenges associated with a) estimating population size, b) determining whether organisms are randomly distributed,
clumped, or over-dispersed, and c) determining the thermal and moisture preference of an isopod. The importance of
replication, sample size, and objectivity are both demonstrated and emphasized. In the past, we have wrapped up this exercise
with a discussion of ‘The Decline Effect’ (Lehrer, 2010). This year, we are planning to replace the Lehrer article with a
discussion of an interactive article from FiveThirtyEight.com (Aschwanden, 2015).
Keywords: measurement
Boston University (2015)
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
