1. Research Methods

2. Research methods Naturalistic observation (Observational) Correlational research Experimentation Comparative method Cost-Benefit analysis

3. Naturalistic Observation Typical Behaviour of the species Objective: precise description Preliminary phase Approach: watch, listen, record –Sampling, frequency, time, context –Ethogram Problems: subject may be aware of being watched physically challenging

4. Correlational Research Study pairs of characteristics (variables) e.g. study time & grades Correlation (+,-, none) Correlation does not equal causation (e.g. lung cancer & smoking) No manipulation, study of naturally occurring relations

6. Experimentation Controlled observation: vary one aspect, control all others and observe the effects Experimental condition, control condition Proceeds according to the scientific method Variables: independent, dependent (e.g. novelty grooming in rodents)

7. Comparative Method Comparisons of behavioural traits within or between species Tackles evolutionary questions Tentative conclusions re. role of environmental factors in the development of traits …example…

8. Cost-Benefit Analysis Behavioural Ecology Assumption: behaviours are not perfect, benefits outweigh the costs (e.g. foraging studies)

9. Naturalistic Observation: descriptive, no answer to the questions of ‘how’ or ‘why’, lack of control Correlational Research: relations between variables, permits predictions re. variables, does not point to causality Experimentation: causation, strict control, omission of important variables, sterile, artificial Field experiments: normal behaviour, ethically controversial, loss of control Comparative and Cost-Benefit analysis: speculative, tentative