1. Asking questions about primates; 2. Ethics in primatology; 3. Keeping science healthy: research integrity; 4. Inclusive science; 5. Understanding statistical evidence; 6. Communicating ideas in writing; 7. Introduction to the primates; 8. Why study primates?; 9. Identifying a research question; 10. Finding out what we know; 11. Reading journal articles; 12. Formulating hypotheses and predictions and designing a study; 13. Observing and manipulating; 14. Choosing measures; 15. Planning data analysis; 16. Sampling and statistical power; 17. Checking feasibility and finalising your plans; 18. Writing a research proposal; 19. Collecting data; 20. Conducting fieldwork; 21. Analysing and interpreting data; 22. Writing a scientific report; 23. Submitting to a peer-reviewed journal; 24. Presenting your work at a conference; 25. Conclusions.
The essential guide to successfully designing, conducting and reporting primatological research.
Joanna M. Setchell is Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Durham University and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Primatology. She is an international expert in primatology with an extensive publication record. She is currently President of the Primate Society of Great Britain and has served as Vice-President for Research of the International Primatological Society. She is co-editor of Field and Laboratory Methods for Primatology (Cambridge, 2nd edition, 2011).
'In this invaluable book, Professor Joanna M. Setchell presents an
exceptionally comprehensive and highly accessible guide to the
study of primates. The text offers a detailed description of every
aspect of the planning, execution and presentation of a
primatological research study. In addition to scientific guidance
and coverage of key conceptual ideas, crucial practical advice
about the realities and challenges of research are provided.
Furthermore, Setchell explores a range of issues that are so
critical to consider fully in modern science, among them cultural
sensitivity, ethics, research integrity and inclusivity. To my
mind, this is an essential text for any student of primatology; it
will be top of the reading list for every course I teach in this
area.' Stuart Semple, University of Roehampton
'A landmark book covering everything a modern primatologist needs
to know, including research design and execution, ethics, field
methods, conservation politics, and writing up for journals and the
public. It is a complete encyclopedia describing the modern
complexities of studying our closest relatives. The book advises
how to negotiate and deal with political and ethical issues from
village to university. In addition, it links basic research with
conservation agendas in a unified and mutually reinforcing way. The
final chapter gives convincing arguments for why primatology is
relevant, even essential to understanding modern-day life and
science. At long last a volume that will give students and
professors a road map of solutions to real world problems of
conducting research. Thorough, rigorous and compelling, this is a
must-read for all primatology graduate students and seasoned
scientists. I recommend it all to anthropologists, primatologists,
biologists, and environmental and social scientists working in
field research.' Patricia C. Wright, State University of New York,
Stony Brook
'This book is timely, highly needed and very welcome. It introduces
basic principles and rules of scientific inquiry - from devising
research questions to preparing research results for publication,
always considering ethical issues - and tackles these issues from a
taxon-specific, namely primatological perspective. This approach
makes the book much more accessible for students at all levels of
training and for young scientists than more general and abstract
introductions to scientific practice. Throughout all chapters, the
book transpires Joanna M. Setchell's broad experience as a
researcher and author, and as an editor for the International
Journal of Primatology. Despite the primate-focused approach, I am
convinced that this book will not only be very useful to students
of primatology, but also to scholars from other taxon-specific and
organism-centered biological disciplines, such as mammalogy or
ornithology.' Eckhard W. Heymann, Deutsches Primatenzentrum,
Germany
'… all essential topics are thoroughly covered in one volume and
applied especially to the study of primates … This volume is
indispensable for those teaching and engaging in primatological
research.' L. K. Sheeran, Choice
'Setchell has provided a timely, nicely executed, and valuable book
that we should embrace regardless of how long we have been in the
business - and that can yield several benefits to our research and
teaching missions … this book makes a fantastic graduation gift for
undergraduates considering graduate school or postgraduates
wrapping up their degree … this volume pushes us to reflect and
improve, helping us and our students get farther and, it is my
hope, to more interesting places.' Mitchell T. Irwin, The Quarterly
Review of Biology
'Whatever background brought you to primatology and wherever you
want to study primates- indeed whichever primates you want to
study- this book will be an extremely useful guide… It should be
essential reading for graduate/post-graduate students. I am sure
more seasoned researchers will not only learn something but also
find it very useful for teaching and mentoring.' Anna T. C.
Feistner, The Primate Eye
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