Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.8
The same observations of social interactions can be expressed in three ways: as the
total flux of a given behavior pattern, as a rate, or as a proportion. In this case, the total frequency is
greater between A and B than between A and C (b > c), but qualitatively the components of their
relationship are the same.
Methods for Behavioral Measurement
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Although our goal is not to provide an encyclopedic guide to the formidable
practical problems faced by the field biologist, we briefly review several
methodologies relevant to measuring social dynamics.
IDENTIFYING THE INDIVIDUAL
From the variety of ways of identifying individuals reviewed by Stonehouse
(1978), it is generally preferable to use natural characteristics. This necessitates
validation of identification skills and it is imperative that behavior is not inad-
vertently used as a cue to identity. For scientific as well as ethical reasons, it is
also important to be alert to any influences of a marking technique on subse-
quent behavior. For example, in an analysis of a new fur-clipping technique
used to mark badgers for individual identification, Stewart and Macdonald
(1997) assessed the effect of the clips on body condition using a matched-sam-
ples test. Our concern was that the technique could cause thermoregulatory
disadvantage, and no significant effect of clipping on condition was found.
Furthermore, marked individuals were capable of attaining high status in their
group, as measured among males by copulation frequency during female
