I encountered a couple of difficulties upon beginning my field observations. I first had to decide which areas to study and at what time to observe my subjects. Moreover, since the subjects of my study are lizards (both invasive and non-invasive) that move very fast, I had to choose an appropriate method of observation. I decided that I would choose four small quadrants in my yard and observe them each for five-minute periods, recording how many lizards, both invasive and native, I see. I chose two areas that are usually filled with sun and two that are almost always shady, to observe the differences in lizards present based on conditions. As I continue in my research, I look forward to further understanding the activity of the native and invasive lizard species in my yard.
I like the animal themed subject of the research but was wondering if only sampling 4 areas would be enough
This seems like such an interesting study! I read your other blog posts as well to understand your hypothesis better and I wonder, do you have a way to ensure you are not counting the same lizard twice? Maybe they don’t move very fast or very much, but if they go hide somewhere, how will you make sure that the lizards you will observe after that are different from the one you counted at first? (I hope my question makes sense)
I think that your sampling design is good, with two areas of each shade level, and that your prediction and variables are clear. One more thing to keep in mind, in my opinion, is that spending a longer time (>5 mins) in each area may give you the chance to encounter more lizards (of either species), which could increase your sample size and therefore improve the accuracy of your study.
Thank you for the comment and interest in my study!! Most of the lizards I see in one sitting are very different sizes (babies vs large adults) which helps me to know I am not counting the same lizard twice. In my research thus far, I have seen around 4 or 5 lizards in one five-minute period, and my worry with extending the time period is that I might end up double counting them. Usually, I see them all in the first couple of minutes, because they finally notice I am close by and start to scurry a bit further away. I fear that if I waited around for ten minutes, some of the ones I counted initially would come back to the area I’m in and I would count them again. Thank you again for your comment and I appreciate your insight very much!!