This is a book about the scientific process and how you apply it to data in ecology. You will learn how to plan for data collection, how to assemble data, how to analyze data and finally how to present the results. The book uses Microsoft Excel and the powerful Open Source R program to carry out data handling as well as producing graphs.
Statistical approaches covered include: data exploration; tests for difference—t-test and U-test; correlation—Spearman's rank test and Pearson product-moment; association including Chi-squared tests and goodness of fit; multivariate testing using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal—Wallis test; and multiple regression.
Key skills taught in this book include: how to plan ecological projects; how to record and assemble your data; how to use R and Excel for data analysis and graphs; how to carry out a wide range of statistical analyses including analysis of variance and regression; how to create professional looking graphs; and how to present your results.
New in this edition: a completely revised chapter on graphics including graph types and their uses, Excel Chart Tools, R graphics commands and producing different chart types in Excel and in R; an expanded range of support material online, including; example data, exercises and additional notes & explanations; a new chapter on basic community statistics, biodiversity and similarity; chapter summaries and end-of-chapter exercises.
"The text that I have found most helpful in getting back to using R has been Mark Gardener's Statistics for Ecologists Using R and Excel. This excellent little book leads the reader nicely through the basics. Starting with how to down load R and getting data into the programme through exploratory statistics and into basic analysis with a section on reporting results which includes visualising data
Mark Edwards
"This book is a superb way in for all those looking at how to design investigations and collect data to support their findings. (This review refers to the first edition.)"
Sue Townsend, Biodiversity Learning Manager, Field Studies Council
