ASSIGNMENT: Research Skills & Statistical Methods for MSc students only
The following document outlines the format of a data analysis assignment for completion during autumn and spring terms. While the deadline is not until late in the spring term, you are advised to become familiar with the data, and to explore the assignment data each week, using any new techniques learned during each practical session. Every week of the course will include methods that could feasibly be used with the assignment data. By Autumn week 10 and practical 8, you will have been introduced to all of the necessary methods for completion of the assignment. Do not leave it to the last minute to do your analysis as much of it can be completed as you go along. You are encouraged to make use of practical time (particularly the optional help sessions) to ask any questions regarding the assignment. Also please make use of the statistics forum on the VLE (see slides from practical 1).
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Midday, Thursday 24th Feb (check with VLE for any last minute changes to date or hand-in instructions), online via the submission point on the VLE as a pdf document.
The aim of the assignment is to use methods in data exploration, presentation and statistical hypothesis testing to evaluate the implications of environmental conditions on the amount of carbon stored in forests in Tanzania. An additional dataset is the catch of sablefish in the Gulf of Alaska.
Instructions
The data in the Excel files supplied together with this document are from two datasets.
The first dataset consists of the amount of carbon stored in a series of upland plots in Tanzania is given along with a number of predictor variables. You met these data in Practical 1. Note there are two worksheets in the data file; one including the data, and one including an explanation of the variables. As scientific researchers, your task is to use analytical methods taught during this module to analyse the data. From this you should determine the relative importance of the predictor variables for the amount of carbon stored. Useful recommendations for managers could include whether elephants should be excluded or not and where the highest levels of carbon are stored to prioritize conservation.
The second dataset consists of catch data on sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) from the Japanese longline fishery for four areas in the gulf of Alaska (Shumagin, Chirikof, Kodiak, and Yakutat) in six different years (1978-1983). The data are given as the catch per unit effort (as tons of fish per 1000 hooks). Analyse these data to see if catch varies by year and location. Most authors suggest that raw data are not appropriate and that logarithmic transformation is more appropriate, so repeat the analysis on ln() transformed data and comment on any differences. Comment on why catch per unit effort should be log transformed.
Format of Report
The data should be summarised using single-spaced type in no more than 2000 words (i.e. around 4-5 sides of A4) in the style of a manuscript for submission to the Journal of Applied Ecology (2cm margin, ≥11pt font; see “author guidelines”, http://www.journalofappliedecology.org; but note that line numbers are not needed, and that figures and tables should be embedded within the text rather than presented at the end, including the following sections only:
· Methods (0.5 to 1 page, past tense): Summarise which statistical techniques were used and why, including introduction of the variables and any adjustments made. From this it should be clear how each analytical method contributes to the aim of the assignment. Abbreviations may be used, but they should be explained at first use. Tip: Before the main analysis, check carefully that any transformations performed have worked. Note that as there are two datasets you may use the format Methods 1, Methods 2 if you wish.
· Results (about 1 to 2 pages, past tense): Present a summary of all data analyses including figures and tables. This section should be succinct, with careful use of figures and tables to avoid large chunks of text and to highlight all of the results, with emphasis on the most interesting results. Include all necessary statistics to demonstrate the strength and direction of the observed differences/relationships. Figures and tables should be numbered, cited in the text and fully labelled so that they can be interpreted independently, including a detailed legend. Tip: The results will be interpreted in the Discussion section, so don’t draw any conclusions here. Again, you may use Results 1 and Results 2 for the different datasets.
· Discussion (about half to 1 page): Discuss the implications of the findings for upland forest management. Pay particular attention to the limitations of the dataset – how reliable are the data for drawing conclusions? Consider the results in relation to existing literature. Make suggestions for future research that would improve on the analysis.
· References (