at Google ScholarTitle data
Popovic, Gordana ; Mason, Tanya J. ; Marques, Tiago A. ; Potts, Joanne ; Drobniak, Szymon M. ; Joo, Rocío ; Altwegg, Res ; Burns, Carolyn C. I. ; McCarthy, Michael A. ; Johnston, Alison ; Nakagawa, Shinichi ; McMillan, Louise ; Devarajan, Kadambari ; Taggart, Patrick I. ; Wunderlich, Alison C. ; Mair, Magdalena ; Martínez-Lanfranco, Juan Andrés ; Lagisz, Malgorzata ; Pottier, Patrice P.:
Four principles for improved statistical ecology.
NY, USA
:
arXiv
,
2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2302.01528
Abstract in another language
Increasing attention has been drawn to the misuse of statistical methods over recent years, with particular concern about the prevalence of practices such as poor experimental design, cherry-picking and inadequate reporting. These failures are largely unintentional and no more common in ecology than in other scientific disciplines, with many of them easily remedied given the right guidance.
Originating from a discussion at the 2020 International Statistical Ecology Conference, we show how ecologists can build their research following four guiding principles for impactful statistical research practices: 1. Define a focused research question, then plan sampling and analysis to answer it; 2. Develop a model that accounts for the distribution and dependence of your data; 3. Emphasise effect sizes to replace statistical significance with ecological relevance; 4. Report your methods and findings in sufficient detail so that your research is valid and reproducible.
Listed in approximate order of importance, these principles provide a framework for experimental design and reporting that guards against unsound practices. Starting with a well-defined research question allows researchers to create an efficient study to answer it, and guards against poor research practices that lead to false positives and poor replicability. Correct and appropriate statistical models give sound conclusions, good reporting practices and a focus on ecological relevance make results impactful and replicable.
Illustrated with an example from a recent study into the impact of disturbance on upland swamps, this paper explains the rationale for the selection and use of effective statistical practices and provides practical guidance for ecologists seeking to improve their use of statistical methods.
Further data
| Item Type: | Preprint, postprint |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Methodology (stat.ME); Populations and Evolution (q-bio.PE); Applications (stat.AP); FOS: Computer and information sciences; FOS: Computer and information sciences; FOS: Biological sciences; FOS: Biological sciences |
| Institutions of the University: | Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology Research Institutions > Research Centres > Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research- BayCEER |
| Result of work at the UBT: | Yes |
| DDC Subjects: | 500 Science 500 Science > 500 Natural sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Feb 2023 07:51 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Feb 2023 07:51 |
| URI: | https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/73589 |