1. Types of
Ethograms
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

2. We need to
define
Ethogram…
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

3. WRITE
An Ethogram
is a list of
behaviors
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

4. That being said,
there are
3 methods of
Ethogram
data collection
that
we will discuss:

5. Instantaneous Sampling
WRITE
Method 1:
Continuous Sampling
Method 2:
Instantaneous Sampling
Method 3:
Zonal Sampling
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

6. Continuous Sampling
Either a focal animal or a group of animals may be observed.
The observer selects a duration for the entire observation.
The observer chooses which behavior(s) to record.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

7. Continuous Sampling
The data is recorded non-stop for the entire duration of the observation.
The data may be recorded as frequency of occurrence or as a duration.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

8. Continuous Sampling
WRITE
For frequency a tally chart should be used and the behavior is checked as a tally mark as it is performed.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

9. Continuous Sampling
Example of a frequency based continuous sampling for a tribe of baboons; (the entire tribe observed)
Autogrooming
Allogrooming
Eating
Sitting
0:00-1:00 I
IIII II
IIII IIII III
IIII IIII IIII IIII
III
1:01-2:00
IIII IIII IIII IIII IIII IIII I
IIII IIII IIII IIII IIII II
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

10. WRITE
Continuous Sampling
For duration a stop watch must be used and the watch is started or stopped according to what the observed behavior is.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

11. Continuous Sampling
Example of a duration based continuous sampling for a single baboon;
(a focal animal was identified)
Eating
Not Eating
10:00 am-11:59 am
10/2108
70m 20s
48 m 40s
12:00 pm-1:59 pm
18m 45s
100m 15s

12. Instantaneous Sampling
A focal animal is used.
The observer selects an appropriate time interval for the observations.
The observer uses a stopwatch and records what the animal is doing ONLY at the predetermined time interval.
WRITE
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

13. Instantaneous Sampling
The observer has created an extensive list of possible behaviors, which are explained in detail before the observations begin.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

14. Instantaneous Sampling
Example of an instantaneous sampling data table.
0:00:15
Autogrooming
0:00:30
0:00:45
Drinking water
0:01:00
Alert resting
0:01:15
0:01:30
Sniffing
0:01:45
Relaxed resting
0:02:00

15. Zonal Sampling Either a focal animal is used or a group of animals.
The observer sketches a diagram of the cage, tank or enclosure.
The observer then divides the sketch into distinct zones.
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

16. Zonal Sampling
The observer then selects an appropriate time interval for the observations.
The observer uses a stopwatch and records either how many animals are in each zone or which zone the focal animal is in ONLY at the predetermined time interval.
WRITE
©Dr. Mitchel Goodkin, 2008

17. The Zone # that the Goldfish with the Bright Orange Fin is In
Zonal Sampling
Example of a zonal sampling data table.
The Zone # that the Goldfish with the Bright Orange Fin is In
0:00:15 1
0:00:30 6
0:00:45
0:01:00
0:01:15
0:01:30 3
0:01:45 2

18. QUESTIONS ?