Scientific research requires a systematic approach to using observations to generate a tentative statement, or hypothesis, to explain a phenomenon. There are four general steps to the scientific method: observations, generation of a hypothesis, testing of the hypothesis, and discussion of whether the hypothesis is disproven or the hypothesis needs to be revised (Krebs, 2009). The proper planning, background research, and budgeting of resources is required before any data collection begins. Once data collection is completed, the scientist must submit it to rigorous statistical testing before deciding to retain the current hypothesis or revise the hypothesis. A hypothesis cannot be proven, just disproven (Chalmers, 1999). This paper will critically examine a scientific journal article for adherence to the scientific process as would be done by any peer reviewed journal prior to publication.
Paper Review
Introduction
Butler, Malone, & Clemann (2005) conducted a study of the ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban environment. Snakes in close proximity to human populations have always presented a risk and it is often necessary to remove them from the suburban areas to more suitable areas, a process called translocation. Although several studies have been conducted, they have been limited to columbrid and crotalid snakes. Tiger snakes are elapids which are less predatory and more searching foragers. Butler et al. (2005) use this as the basis for their study. Their hypothesis was that translocated tiger snakes move over larger distances than the resident tiger snakes. In the introduction, they presented a complete literature search and provided sound justification for their hypothesis.
Methods
Butler et al. (2005) provided very detailed methodology. It is obvious a lot of planning occurred before they began the study. The sample size of resident tiger snakes was six and the translocated tiger snakes was eight. Both male and female snakes were included in each group to ensure there was not a sexual bias to their behavior. The snakes were tracked for six months spanning three seasons between 2-5 times per week by using a global-positioning system (GPS) tracked a radio-transmitter that was implanted into the snakes. The snake’s range was calculated by using three different estimates. This was done to estimate total range, home-range and core range. If a snake did not have at least 25 data points, it was not used in the statistical analysis.
Butler et al. (2005) did a thorough job of planning and executing the experiment, especially with respect to the data analysis. However, several questions arose when reading the methodology for this experiment. Why were the sample sizes so small? Larger sample sizes can provide a more accurate statistical evaluation of the data. Why were the snakes not tracked for a longer period of time covering all seasons and tracked more often? Again, a more rigorous data collection scheme could be beneficial. How were snakes “randomly” released into sufficient habitat? Did the licensed wildlife controllers release them using scientifically rigorous “randomized” methods? Snakes were also only released in “fine” weather. This could also have affected the data (Manly 1992). Last, what were the effects of the surgical placement of the tracking devices implanted into the snakes? Although it would not have been possible to have a “control” for this within this study, the authors did not mention the effect this might have had on the behavior of the snakes in this study.
Results
Some of the snakes died during the course of the study. However, the data that was collected did reveal some interesting trends. Snakes that were translocated did occupy larger home ranges (around 6 times larger) than the resident snakes. Their home ranges, however did overlap considerably in both groups. The core ranges of both groups of snakes were similar, however they exhibited non-overlapping behavior. During the course of this study, the translocated snakes travelled greater than twice the distance as the resident snakes, but there was not a significant different between months in either group with the exception of December for the translocated group. Also, no significant difference was seen between male and female snakes (Butler et al., 2005). Overall, the data was presented in a logical manner and the tables and figures were clear. One exception is that Figure 1 was included in the results section and data tables and figures are only supposed to be included in the Results section.
Discussion
In the Discussion, Butler et al. (2005) discuss the efficacy of moving snakes from suburban areas to green areas or parks adjacent to them. Half of the translocated snakes did not remain within the park’s boundaries and re-entered private properties. The author’s also discuss how long it might take for the snakes to start exhibiting “normal” behavior and establish new home ranges. The data showed that translocated snakes moved further especially initially upon initial release. Translocated snakes did not exhibit homing behavior, but they still showed much larger home ranges which overlap with suburban areas.
Also discussed was the role of the effect of drought on the outcome of the study which restricted the movement of the snakes. Additionally, Butler et al. (2005) mentioned the study did not include the breeding season of the snake, which could result in males of the species travelling greater distances. This brings up the question again why was the study was not conducted over a longer period of time and include all seasons. However, because the study did not include the breeding season, the Butler et al. (2005) could suggest that the behavior seen was due to foraging and thermoregulatory activities. This could have still been established in a longer study.
Conclusions
Butler et al. (2005) highlight the necessity for additional study. The common practice of moving tiger snakes from suburban areas into adjacent parks and green areas might not be the best management practice. Conducting a study with a larger sample size, a truly randomized design for release of translocated tiger snakes, a longer interval for the study over several years including all seasons would be advantageous. Most importantly however, it is certainly necessary to repeat the experiment to ensure data collected is an accurate reflection of the true behavior of these snakes (Manly, 2002).
References
Butler, H., Malone, B., & Clemann, N. (2005). The effects of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban landscape. Wildlife Research, 32,165-171.
Chalmers, A. (1999). What is this Thing called Science? University of Queensland Press, Queensland.
Krebs, C. (2009). Ecology. 6th ed. Addison-Wesley, New York.
Manly, B. (1992). The Design and Analysis of Research Studies. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. University Press,
Cambridge
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