Ian Q. Whishaw and Bryan Kolb (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195162851
- eISBN:
- 9780199863891
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195162851.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, Techniques
This book contains a wide range of information of huge complexity on rat behavior. The book has three objectives. The first objective is to present an introduction of rat behavior. In choosing the ...
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This book contains a wide range of information of huge complexity on rat behavior. The book has three objectives. The first objective is to present an introduction of rat behavior. In choosing the rat as the subject species, the book has made the assumption that this species will remain, as it has in the past, the primary subject used the laboratory investigations of behavior. The second objective is to describe the organization and complexity of rat behavior. The major theme emerging from many lines of research on rat behavior is that understanding the rules of behavioral organization will be central in understanding the structural basis of behavior. The third objective is to update, as much as is possible, previous compendiums of rat behavior. Behavioral neuroscience continues to be a diverse field of research in which there remain many competing experimental methods and hypotheses. The behavioral descriptions in this book are closely tied to the laboratory methods from which they were derived, thus allowing investigators to exploit both the behavior and the methods for their own research. The first part of the book includes sections on natural history, sensory systems, motor systems, regulatory systems, development and parental behavior, social behavior, cognitive functions, and models. The second section is comprised by the major tests used by scientists interested in each domain of behavior.Less
This book contains a wide range of information of huge complexity on rat behavior. The book has three objectives. The first objective is to present an introduction of rat behavior. In choosing the rat as the subject species, the book has made the assumption that this species will remain, as it has in the past, the primary subject used the laboratory investigations of behavior. The second objective is to describe the organization and complexity of rat behavior. The major theme emerging from many lines of research on rat behavior is that understanding the rules of behavioral organization will be central in understanding the structural basis of behavior. The third objective is to update, as much as is possible, previous compendiums of rat behavior. Behavioral neuroscience continues to be a diverse field of research in which there remain many competing experimental methods and hypotheses. The behavioral descriptions in this book are closely tied to the laboratory methods from which they were derived, thus allowing investigators to exploit both the behavior and the methods for their own research. The first part of the book includes sections on natural history, sensory systems, motor systems, regulatory systems, development and parental behavior, social behavior, cognitive functions, and models. The second section is comprised by the major tests used by scientists interested in each domain of behavior.
Neil J. Smelser and John S. Reed
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780520273566
- eISBN:
- 9780520954144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520273566.003.0009
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
The aim of this chapter is to identify the major methods of research in the social sciences and to examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each method with respect to their relevance and ...
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The aim of this chapter is to identify the major methods of research in the social sciences and to examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each method with respect to their relevance and usefulness in the arenas decision making, social policy, and social problems. The different research methods are classified as laboratory-experimental, evaluation research, statistic methods and survey research, comparative-historical analysis, case studies, counterfactual reasoning and mental experiments. These methods are treated as variations—but identical in aim—in the process of varying and holding relevant variables constant in order to arrive at adequate causal explanations. The authors assess strengths and weaknesses of each as they are applied to “real” situations in the “real” world.Less
The aim of this chapter is to identify the major methods of research in the social sciences and to examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each method with respect to their relevance and usefulness in the arenas decision making, social policy, and social problems. The different research methods are classified as laboratory-experimental, evaluation research, statistic methods and survey research, comparative-historical analysis, case studies, counterfactual reasoning and mental experiments. These methods are treated as variations—but identical in aim—in the process of varying and holding relevant variables constant in order to arrive at adequate causal explanations. The authors assess strengths and weaknesses of each as they are applied to “real” situations in the “real” world.
Eleanor Sterling, Nora Bynum, and Mary Blair (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199659449
- eISBN:
- 9780191774775
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199659449.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology, Ecology
The study of primate ecology and conservation has advanced rapidly in recent years. This practical volume brings together a group of distinguished primate researchers to synthesize field, laboratory, ...
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The study of primate ecology and conservation has advanced rapidly in recent years. This practical volume brings together a group of distinguished primate researchers to synthesize field, laboratory, and conservation management techniques for primate ecology and conservation. This synthesis focuses on new and emerging field methods alongside a comprehensive presentation of laboratory and data analysis techniques, as well as the latest methods for determining conservation status and conservation management. This volume’s particular focus is on innovative ways to study primates in a changing world, including emerging methods such as non-invasive genetic techniques and advanced spatial modelling. In addition to synthesizing field and lab methods, the volume also discusses data interpretation, as well as important guiding questions and principles for students and researchers to consider as they plan research projects in primate ecology and conservation such as how to choose a field site, acquire research permits, connect with local authorities, communities, and researchers, and many other considerations. Although three chapters are dedicated to conservation methods, consideration of conservation status and threats to primate populations are integrated throughout this volume where appropriate.Less
The study of primate ecology and conservation has advanced rapidly in recent years. This practical volume brings together a group of distinguished primate researchers to synthesize field, laboratory, and conservation management techniques for primate ecology and conservation. This synthesis focuses on new and emerging field methods alongside a comprehensive presentation of laboratory and data analysis techniques, as well as the latest methods for determining conservation status and conservation management. This volume’s particular focus is on innovative ways to study primates in a changing world, including emerging methods such as non-invasive genetic techniques and advanced spatial modelling. In addition to synthesizing field and lab methods, the volume also discusses data interpretation, as well as important guiding questions and principles for students and researchers to consider as they plan research projects in primate ecology and conservation such as how to choose a field site, acquire research permits, connect with local authorities, communities, and researchers, and many other considerations. Although three chapters are dedicated to conservation methods, consideration of conservation status and threats to primate populations are integrated throughout this volume where appropriate.
Charles Perreault
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780226630823
- eISBN:
- 9780226631011
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226631011.003.0001
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology
The way archaeologists test their hypotheses undermines their capacity to make valid inferences about the human past. Historical sciences seek to explain contemporary traces in terms of past causes. ...
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The way archaeologists test their hypotheses undermines their capacity to make valid inferences about the human past. Historical sciences seek to explain contemporary traces in terms of past causes. Archaeologists settle on explanations when they are consistent with their data, irrespective of whether or not there are alternative explanations that are also consistent with the data at hand. The test of consistency leads to a confirmatory bias and leads to underdetermination and wrong results. In contrast, successful historical sciences work by formulating multiple mutually exclusive hypotheses and finding a smoking gun that will discriminate between them. Smoking guns must be found in nature: computer simulations, mathematical models, ethnographic analogies and experiments are not sources of smoking guns. Unlike experimental scientists, historical scientists such as archaeologists cannot use laboratory methods to manufacture new empirical evidences or to shield themselves from false positive or false negative results. This dependence on the quality of the archaeological record is not trivial. It means that the archaeological record dictates what can be learned about the past. Because of the quality of the archaeological record, there are research questions that we will never be able to answer beyond any reasonable doubts.Less
The way archaeologists test their hypotheses undermines their capacity to make valid inferences about the human past. Historical sciences seek to explain contemporary traces in terms of past causes. Archaeologists settle on explanations when they are consistent with their data, irrespective of whether or not there are alternative explanations that are also consistent with the data at hand. The test of consistency leads to a confirmatory bias and leads to underdetermination and wrong results. In contrast, successful historical sciences work by formulating multiple mutually exclusive hypotheses and finding a smoking gun that will discriminate between them. Smoking guns must be found in nature: computer simulations, mathematical models, ethnographic analogies and experiments are not sources of smoking guns. Unlike experimental scientists, historical scientists such as archaeologists cannot use laboratory methods to manufacture new empirical evidences or to shield themselves from false positive or false negative results. This dependence on the quality of the archaeological record is not trivial. It means that the archaeological record dictates what can be learned about the past. Because of the quality of the archaeological record, there are research questions that we will never be able to answer beyond any reasonable doubts.
Betsy Foxman
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- June 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199685004
- eISBN:
- 9780191765315
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199685004.003.0013
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Epidemiology
Laboratory methods are integrated into various aspects of research in infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and environmental epidemiology. Therefore a course focusing on the vocabulary ...
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Laboratory methods are integrated into various aspects of research in infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and environmental epidemiology. Therefore a course focusing on the vocabulary and principles needed to conduct these interdisciplinary efforts should be a welcome addition to the curriculum of most epidemiologic programs. A molecular epidemiology course should familiarize the student with the underlying concepts and jargon of both molecular biology and epidemiology, and build up appreciation for the strengths and develop understanding of the weaknesses of both molecular biology and epidemiology. Therefore, this chapter outlines suggestions for core topics that should be covered in a molecular epidemiology course.Less
Laboratory methods are integrated into various aspects of research in infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and environmental epidemiology. Therefore a course focusing on the vocabulary and principles needed to conduct these interdisciplinary efforts should be a welcome addition to the curriculum of most epidemiologic programs. A molecular epidemiology course should familiarize the student with the underlying concepts and jargon of both molecular biology and epidemiology, and build up appreciation for the strengths and develop understanding of the weaknesses of both molecular biology and epidemiology. Therefore, this chapter outlines suggestions for core topics that should be covered in a molecular epidemiology course.
Elizabeth Ward
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190662677
- eISBN:
- 9780190662707
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190662677.003.0024
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms by which cancer develops and the importance of exogenous exposures in cancer causation. It describes the magnitude of cancer as a public health ...
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This chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms by which cancer develops and the importance of exogenous exposures in cancer causation. It describes the magnitude of cancer as a public health problem in the United States and globally, highlights temporal trends in cancer rates in the United States and variations in global cancer burden by country, income level, and region. Laboratory methods for identification of potential carcinogens are reviewed with emphasis on recent developments in toxicogenomics and high-throughput screening. The classification system used by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in evaluation of potential carcinogens is described, and data are presented on occupational and environmental agents classified as “carcinogenic to humans” or “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Specific occupational and environmental carcinogens are discussed in greater detail. Topics of interest to clinicians and public health practicioners include the evaluation of occupational and community cancer clusters, primary and secondary prevention of occupational cancer, and four case studies related to cancer prevention and control and risk communication in diverse occupational settings.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms by which cancer develops and the importance of exogenous exposures in cancer causation. It describes the magnitude of cancer as a public health problem in the United States and globally, highlights temporal trends in cancer rates in the United States and variations in global cancer burden by country, income level, and region. Laboratory methods for identification of potential carcinogens are reviewed with emphasis on recent developments in toxicogenomics and high-throughput screening. The classification system used by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in evaluation of potential carcinogens is described, and data are presented on occupational and environmental agents classified as “carcinogenic to humans” or “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Specific occupational and environmental carcinogens are discussed in greater detail. Topics of interest to clinicians and public health practicioners include the evaluation of occupational and community cancer clusters, primary and secondary prevention of occupational cancer, and four case studies related to cancer prevention and control and risk communication in diverse occupational settings.
