Your independent assignment for this semester: develop a proposal to study some aspect of animal behavior. This paper will be worth 14 % of your final grade. To receive credit, you must write a lucid, terse (5 pages; ~ 1,000 - 1,500 words) and well-structured paper in the form of a grant proposal to study some aspect of animal behavior. These papers are expected to require outside reading of original literature (in addition to your text book). Your proposals are due on Thursday, April 28, 2011 by 5 PM. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME. Papers longer than 1500 words will be penalized.

Introduction: A statement of what the problem is that you propose to study.

Why is this problem relevant to the study of animal behavior?

What general research has previously been done on the topic?

Most importantly: What specific hypothesis to you propose to test?

Methods:

What data do you propose to collect?

What species will you work with and where will the work be done?

What types of experiments (if any) do you propose and what controls will be necessary?

How large a sample size will you need?

What specific methods will you employ to collect these data?

Expected outcomes

What possible results might you obtain during your study?

How would you interpret these results, relative to your hypotheses and the general problem?

What would constitute a rejection of your hypothesis

What alternative hypotheses might give similar results?

Bibliography

A list of the papers you cite in the text of your proposal

These may be relevant to a review of previous research, methods, or interpretation of your results

You should follow standard bibliographic form (see an issue of Behavioral Ecology for examples)

For many students, this is a difficult assignment. Choosing a topic is often the rate-limiting step. Students are encouraged to work closely with the instructor to develop their ideas and methodologies. The earlier you get started, the easier this assignment will prove. Simple literature reviews are insufficient; successful papers will demonstrate rigor, effort, and creativity in their proposal.

Each proposal will be graded as follows:

1) Format (5 points possible); You will lose points if you do not:

Cite references for statements made in the paper.

Divide the paper into clear sections with appropriate headings

Include a complete, properly formatted bibliography

2) Statement of the problem (15 points possible); You will lose points if:

You do not state the nature of the problem clearly

You do not enunciate the hypotheses to be tested clearly

You do not adequately consider alternative hypotheses

You do not strive to make your list of alternative hypotheses exclusive

3) Literature review (15 points maximum); You will receive points:

Relative to the proportion of the current and relevant literature you include in your citations.

AND

On the basis of your ability to summarize critical issues using recent papers.

4) Creativity and experimental design (20 points maximum); You will be evaluated on:

The propriety and relevance of the approaches and methods you propose. Note: (money/time are not to be considered limits.... a slight deviation from reality... but hey, go nuts!)

The creativity of your studies or experimental designs (i.e., will they generate data of interest? Do they employ methods that are feasible and likely to produce the information needed?)

5) Logical completeness (15 points maximum):

A proposal that is logically consistent from start to finish will receive maximum points. For this reason, it is critical that you have a clear idea of the hypothesis that you are testing, why it is worth testing, and how your proposed study will contribute to our understanding of the topic you are investigating.

6) Interpretation of possible results (20 points possible); You will receive points if you:

1) Consider all the possible outcomes of your observations and experiments

2) Interpret these possibilities correctly in light of current theory

3) Distinguish between proximate and ultimate explanations when relevant

4) Identify when (if ever) your results would critically test your hypotheses.

7) Writing skill: (10 points maximum)

I seek organized, clearly articulated concepts and proposals. Strive to develop clear, lucid arguments that unambiguously support your ideas. Avoid passive, wordy/flowery language. Refer to the Biology Department's information on effective scientific communication for additional ideas on what makes good scientific writing.

 

You can see several examples of three good proposals by clicking on a number: 1, 2, 3

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