User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
I have decided to observe the three sites described in blog post 1 on Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campus. I plan to study how bird species differ across the different sites on TRU campus depending on the topography and vegetation of each site. I will be observing the three different sites and recording the bird species that are present. It can then be determined how the bird species distribute and their approximate abundance throughout the TRU campus.
I predict that bird species will distribute differently throughout the TRU campus. Based on this prediction I then hypothesize that each site of study on TRU campus will have a different dominant bird species that is associated with that area. The species abundance at each site can then be utilized to determine the dominant species.
In this study, the bird species will be the response variable and the site of study will then be the explanatory variable. The response variable (particular bird species) will then be a result of the area of observation (explanatory variable). This data is considered to be categorical or discrete.
Blog Post 5: Design Reflections, #2: Constructive Criticism
Looks like a fun topic for a birder. The main question that comes up for me is:
What might be some of the mechanisms behind the proposed differential distribution of bird species between sites based on topography and vegetation? It seems like your study will effectively answer whether or not bird species will distribute differently over your chosen area, but not why, and addressing why might help strengthen and give shape to your study. Some ideas might include access to food, nesting sites, protection from predation, mating behaviors, or other resources that certain species might exploit more effectively than others.
Good luck!