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.
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