This module will focus on deriving inferences in ecology. We will emphasize examples in which controversies exist, in part, because of the application of inferential tools and associated assumptions. As the first module of the course, we also will stress skills required to critically read the literature and effectively lead and participate in discussions.
Date
Topic
Readings, HW and things to think about
Tuesday Aug 20
Patterns and the Scientific Method
- Why is there controversy in science?
Reading for today: Platt 1964, Reading the literature
HW due next time: Design a figure based on these data
Thursday Aug 22
Observational vs Experimental Data
- Experimental design
- Controversy: examples
- Discussion of the figures you made
Reading for today: Hurlbert 1984
For today's paper discussion:
- What is one idea/concept you took away from the paper?
- What is one question you had from the paper?
- What is one issue you found unsatisfying or disagreed with in the paper?
- Were there any insights that changed your perspective?
Tuesday Aug 27
Classic Statistics and P-values
- Stats refresher
- Effect sizes
Reading for today: Osenberg et al. 2002
Cool thoughts: Effect size exercise
HW for next time: Create an effect size measure for data you have collected or will collect
Thursday Aug 29
Effect Size HW PPT
Fisheries
Reading for today: Meyers and Worm 2003
Cool thoughts: Simpsons paradox
Tuesday Sept 3
Controversy and Reconciliation
Reading for Today: Case_Chapter10_MSY, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DNhqtYf47E
Cool thoughts: Why most published research findings are false (Ioannidis 2005 (PLOS Medicine))
HW: What do you think the role of scientists should be in environmental policy (e.g., in conservation or sustainability); i.e., how will you handle a request to "help us solve this problem." Come up with a real world example