Assessing the reliability of ecological monitoring data: Power analysis and alternative approaches

Abstract

To identify natural resources in need of conservation, and assess the effectiveness of ongoing management practices, a 'reliable' monitoring program is necessary. It is critical to assess the reliability of our data, and our data analyses, so that we draw the appropriate conclusions regarding the natural resource of interest. One way to evaluate this reliability is through the use of statistical power analysis. Although power analysis may provide valuable insights into the design and results of a study or monitoring program, its misuse may lead to inappropriate conclusions and management actions. This review describes the appropriate use of statistical power analysis in the context of natural areas management, and points out numerous misuses, some of which are not widely recognized. Alternative approaches to traditional power analyses are presented, along with a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages.

Department(s)

Biology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3375/0885-8608(2007)27[83:ATROEM]2.0.CO;2

Keywords

Confidence intervals, Null hypothesis significance testing, Parameter estimation, Power analysis, Type II error

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Journal Title

Natural Areas Journal

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