PSB4250 –Nelson –Ministudy –EthogramIn this assignment, you will conduct a field observation. The end product is an ethogram.
Do not start this assignment until you’ve completed the interactive lecture. Ministudy assignments have two options:
Option A: You pick your subject–Start at Step 1
Option B: Watch video of Berrin–Start at Step 31.Position yourself at a reasonable distance from your animal.
Be close enough to see what they’re doing, but not too close to change their behavior.
Consider viewing from a window or discrete location. Record the observation conditions:Date __________ Time __________ Temp/Weather __________________________Other notes about environment ___________________________________________2.Set a countdown timer for 10 minutes. If you are using a smartphone, be sure to silence your notifications. I recommend airplane mode with the wifi shut off. 3.Record everything you see as unstructured notes in the first observation.
Do not worry about appearance; focus on creating an accurate record. Be objective and only report what the animal is physically doing.
Do not infer intent or mood. Notes from First Observation (10 minutes)
PSB4250 –Nelson –Ministudy –Ethogram Notes from First Observation Continued (10 minutes)
PSB4250 –Nelson –Ministudy –Ethogram4.In the second observation (10 min), watch for new behaviors. Continue your notes.(Note: if you dothe second observation on another day, noteconditionsas inStep1)
PSB4250 –Nelson –Ministudy –Ethogram5. Once both observations are complete, use your notes to make your ethogram. Aimfor at least five operationally defined behaviors. More is better, but animals will vary. Do not add behaviors you have seen before but did not observe during data collection. Sketches for behaviors are encouraged, but not required. Edit until
your definitions are clear enough that anaïveobserver could use your ethogram reliably. Scientific name ________________________ Common name ________________________BehaviorDefinitionSketch1.2.3.4.5.
PSB4250 –Nelson –Ministudy –EthogramAdditional sheet (if needed)BehaviorDefinitionSketch