Bird Decline Poster Assignment
Hypothesis Testing, on Moodle
INTRODUCTION
We have learned about the amazing long-term databases that ornithologists have
collected over the past 40+ years that generate scientifically-based estimates of
population trends for dozens of species of North American birds.
We have discussed the limitations of the survey/monitoring methods, and how to use
these data to test hypotheses for the cause of population declines.
For this assignment, you will work in groups of 1-3 (groups of 4 are not permitted)
students to test a hypothesis for bird declines by:
(1) stating one or more predictions of a hypothesis that are suitable for testing using
the database(s).
(2) collect the online data that are needed to test your predictions
(3) show your results using several key graphs/tables and use statistics to test for
significant patterns
(4) interpret your findings and demonstrate understanding of the limitations of your
study, statistical tests, and the survey/monitoring methods
SC/BIOL 4250 Winter 2017
2
Students are allowed to work in groups of up to 3 students on the Bird Decline
assignment; co-authorship is common in scientific publications. Co-authors on papers
receive an identical grade. It is up to students working in groups to share the workload,
meet internal deadlines, and check the quality of each other’s work. Students are
welcome to work alone if they wish.
Your paper should be written in scientific paper format and include an abstract and
reference section (5-10 references). Aim for 8-10 pages double spaced, including tables/
figures.
You will be evaluated on these criteria:
Content:
• Hypothesis & predictions are high quality and clearly stated
• Results are clearly presented and do a good job of testing the predictions
• Stats are appropriate for the data and prediction
• Interpretation/conclusions are supported by the results
• Clear statement of whether Hypothesis is supported or rejected
• Understanding of limitations of your study and the underlying data bases
Presentation:
• writing style is concise and clear
• text is free of grammatical errors and typos
• results text describes key patterns accurately and engagingly
• graphs/tables are professional and scientific (like a scientific journal article)
SC/BIOL 4250 Winter 2017
