Description
The use of Bayesian statistical analysis has become increasingly important to natural resource scientists as a practical tool for solving various research problems. However, many important contemporary methods of applied statistics, such as generalized linear modeling, mixed-effects modeling, and Bayesian statistical analysis and inference, remain relatively unknown among researchers and practitioners in this field. Through its inclusive, hands-on treatment of real-world examples, Contemporary Bayesian and Frequentist Statistical Research Methods for Natural Resource Scientists successfully introduces the key concepts of statistical analysis and inference with an accessible, easy-to-follow approach.
The book provides case studies illustrating common problems that exist in the natural resource sciences and presents the statistical knowledge and tools needed for a modern treatment of these issues. Subsequent chapter coverage features:
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An introduction to the fundamental concepts of Bayesian statistical analysis, including its historical background, conjugate solutions, Bayesian hypothesis testing and decision-making, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo solutions
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The relevant advantages of using Bayesian statistical analysis, rather than the traditional frequentist approach, to address research problems
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Two alternative strategiesaEURO"the a posteriori model selection strategy and the a priori parsimonious model selection strategy using AIC and DICaEURO"to model selection and inference
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The ideas of generalized linear modeling (GLM), focusing on the most popular GLM of logistic regression
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An introduction to mixed-effects modeling in S-PlusA (R) and R for analyzing natural resource data sets with varying error structures and dependencies
Each statistical concept is accompanied by an illustration of its frequentist application in S-PlusA (R) or R as well as its Bayesian application in WinBUGS. Brief introductions to these software packages are also provided to help the reader fully understand the concepts of the statistical methods that are presented throughout the book. Assuming only a minimal background in introductory statistics, Contemporary Bayesian and Frequentist Statistical Research Methods for Natural Resource Scientists is an ideal text for natural resource students studying statistical research methods at the upper-undergraduate or graduate level and also serves as a valuable problem-solving guide for natural resource scientists across a broad range of disciplines, including biology, wildlife management, forestry management, fisheries management, and the environmental sciences.
About the Author
Howard B. Stauffer, PhD, is Professor of Applied Statistics and former chairperson of the Mathematics Department at Humboldt State University. Dr. Stauffer has over thirty-five years of experience in academia, government, and industry specializing in sampling and experimental design and analysis, in addition to the current methodologies in statistical analysis, such as generalized linear modeling, mixed-effects modeling, Bayesian statistical analysis, and capture-recapture analysis.
Reviews
?The book provides case studies illustrating common problems that exist in natural resource sciences, and presents the statistical knowledge and tools needed for a modem treatment of these issues.? (APADE, 2009)
"The book's strength lie in the choice of material, the explication of methods and use, and detail of the code provided ? The bottom line is this book is useful. It is designated not merely to give you a sense of these often-neglected statistical methods but to get you up and running on them. It does a phenomenal job of that task." (Ecology, November 2008)
"Stauffer's book seems very suitable for second statistics on modern regression modeling focusing on Bayesian thinking." (Journal of the American Statistician, December 2008)
"Stauffer's book seems very suitable for second statistics on modern regression modeling focusing on Bayesian thinking." (Journal of the American Statistician, Dec 2008)
"This is an excellent book presenting difficult statistical ideals by using data obtained from real-life situations." (CHOICE May 2008)
"An ideal text for natural resource students studying statistical research methods at the upper-undergraduate or graduate level and also service as a valuable problem-solving guide." (Mathematical Reviews 2008)
Book Information
ISBN 9780470165041
Author Howard B. Stauffer
Format Hardback
Page Count 416
Imprint Wiley-Interscience
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 717g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 164mm * 25mm
