Ethograms and Measuring Behaviour

Ethograms and Measuring Behaviour

Learning outcome: 2. Critically analyse and evaluate a range of behavioural assessment techniques and apply these to the management of species for improved welfare outcomes.
Overview:
The purpose of this assessment is to conduct a quantitative behavioural study, accurately present the results in a short report, and determine if the methodology was appropriate for accurately testing the hypothesis.
Assignment instructions:
You have been given a choice of three video sets to investigate. Choose one of these sets on which to base your assignment. Each video set will include a brief description of where and how the videos were recorded, the animal names and demographical details, and any other relevant details.
1. Using the descriptive information provided, design an experimental question that you can test with quantitative behavioural analysis of activity budgets using focal sampling with continuous recording. For example, you may choose to test for behavioural differences between animals housed in different enclosures, animals of different sexes, or animals exposed to different environments.
2. Propose an experimental hypothesis, as well as predictions, as to what you expect your data to show. For example: “It is hypothesised that the level of noise in the environment will affect monkey behaviour. It is predicted that monkeys exposed to a noisy environment will show more aggressive behaviour than those in a quiet environment.”
3. Design an ethogram of mutually exclusive state behaviours with clear definitions. Keep the number of behaviours to twenty (20) or fewer. You can adapt and use a published ethogram as long as you cite it appropriately. You may need to group some behaviours into categories if you have too many. For example, foraging behaviour might include searching for food and processing food items as well as eating.
4. Convert your ethogram into a Cowlog or BORIS coding scheme. You will learn how to do this in class.
5. Using Cowlog/BORIS, watch and code your chosen video set. The Cowlog/BORIS output file/s must be submitted with your assignment. Output files can be collated using the summary template file included in your video set, or you may create your own.
6. Analyse your results. Include at least one statistical test. Include at least two graphs in your results section. These graphs must present different data. Remember that a results section is not just graphs – there must be some text as well. Graphs and tables should support the text, not repeat it. Any graphs/tables in the report need to be in APA 7th style.
7. Present your results in a short scientific report that includes an abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and a reference list.
8. In your discussion, outline how your findings are relevant to animal welfare or animal management. Also discuss how appropriate your methodology was in testing your hypothesis. Think back to your NSCI 5702 poster assessment, and the other types of observational techniques. Why do we pick one technique over another?
9. At least 8 peer reviewed sources of information should be used in your report within your introduction and your discussion. The citations and references should be in APA 7th style. More detail on your report requirements are provided in the marking guide.
Assessment Requirements:
• Word length guide: 2000 words (excludes references, table/figure labels)
• Use the Animal Behaviour journal format provided on Moodle
• The work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.
• All material must be adequately referenced within the text.
• Your completed assignment must be submitted TO THE TURNITIN DROP BOX on the 14th of November 2099, 11:59pm. In the dropbox, two tabs will be available to upload both the assignment and the summary file.
• Late submissions will be subject to an academic penalty. If a submission is late due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, apply for an Affected Performance Consideration.
Incorporation of Māori values:
This assessment allows students to pick their own topic, according to their own interests.