4 Statistical Models and Techniques for the
Analysis of Conditions of an Ecological System
Ulrike Schleier
Abstract: This chapter treats the contribution of statistical research and applied
statistics to ELA W A T. In the introduction the role of applied statistics in scientific
research is described. Definitions of statistical terms and expressions are given to
make the subsequent statements definite. The main part of the chapter introduces
statistical models and methods. They are arranged according to the ecologically
relevant terms in ELA W A T: pattern, process, relation, and distinction between
states of a system. Each paragraph starts with an ecological question and treats
statistical models and methods useful for finding an answer. Case studies with data
from ELA W AT demonstrate some of the methods for data analysis and interpretation. The final paragraph summarizes the methods applied in ELA W A T.
4.1
Introduction
During the interdisciplinary research project of ELA WAT difficulties in understanding each other occurred among scientists from different disciplines. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, this was merely a problem of terminology and
lack of information, but often it revealed fundamental differences in conception of
sciences and in the way of approaching a research question. This applies particularly to the discipline of statistics. For this reason, in this paragraph an attempt is
made to describe the role and view of applied statistics in ecosystem research.
Readers who are mainly interested in statistical techniques may omit the paragraph
at first reading.
Natural sciences are constantly moving in a circular course from questions, investigations (observations or experiments), evaluations, answers to new questions.
Besides common paradigms (e.g. the one that natural phenomena are in principle
perceptible to mankind and accessible through measurements and logical thinking)
there are also paradigms that constitute basic assumptions to only some disciplines,
or even to the scientific work of only some institutions or work groups, where they
are often no longer recognized as such. For example: "Environmental studies are
mostly done by ship" (Bohle-Carbonell 1992, p. 89). Lamprecht (1992) emphasizes that every scientific work starts with a question, which will always be embedded in the respective paradigm. It is part of the scientific formulation of a
question to disclose these paradigms. For the choice of quantitative methods (e.g.
statistical indices) they are often of great importance.
Analysis of Conditions of an Ecological System
Ulrike Schleier
Abstract: This chapter treats the contribution of statistical research and applied
statistics to ELA W A T. In the introduction the role of applied statistics in scientific
research is described. Definitions of statistical terms and expressions are given to
make the subsequent statements definite. The main part of the chapter introduces
statistical models and methods. They are arranged according to the ecologically
relevant terms in ELA W A T: pattern, process, relation, and distinction between
states of a system. Each paragraph starts with an ecological question and treats
statistical models and methods useful for finding an answer. Case studies with data
from ELA W AT demonstrate some of the methods for data analysis and interpretation. The final paragraph summarizes the methods applied in ELA W A T.
4.1
Introduction
During the interdisciplinary research project of ELA WAT difficulties in understanding each other occurred among scientists from different disciplines. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, this was merely a problem of terminology and
lack of information, but often it revealed fundamental differences in conception of
sciences and in the way of approaching a research question. This applies particularly to the discipline of statistics. For this reason, in this paragraph an attempt is
made to describe the role and view of applied statistics in ecosystem research.
Readers who are mainly interested in statistical techniques may omit the paragraph
at first reading.
Natural sciences are constantly moving in a circular course from questions, investigations (observations or experiments), evaluations, answers to new questions.
Besides common paradigms (e.g. the one that natural phenomena are in principle
perceptible to mankind and accessible through measurements and logical thinking)
there are also paradigms that constitute basic assumptions to only some disciplines,
or even to the scientific work of only some institutions or work groups, where they
are often no longer recognized as such. For example: "Environmental studies are
mostly done by ship" (Bohle-Carbonell 1992, p. 89). Lamprecht (1992) emphasizes that every scientific work starts with a question, which will always be embedded in the respective paradigm. It is part of the scientific formulation of a
question to disclose these paradigms. For the choice of quantitative methods (e.g.
statistical indices) they are often of great importance.