I’m teaching my population dynamics class using R for the first time. I want the students to use a simple logistic population model to make predictions about how population size will respond to different management actions. So, I need to figure out the best way to implement a discrete time, logistic growth model in R.
Every year I suggest a student use Terry Shaffer’s log exposure models for nest survival (Shaffer 2004). And every year I spend hours trying to figure out why the code in the help section of ?family doesn’t work. So this year I’m writing it down.
This tweet sparked a host of comments about the need for R prep courses, as well as some great gifs! This is my R prep course, with a few other computational skills thrown in for good measure.
A good friend posted this link to FB. I read the post, did some background reading, and debated whether to write this post or not. I’ve been writing it in my head anyway, so time to get it out!
I’ve heard a number of calls for faculty to slow down, think, and write. This is the latest, by Allison Adams from Emory University. I’m trying, but it’s hard.
Yesterday a colleague posted a link to an article in The Federalist calling out liberals for not listening. I think the author has a point.
At a reader’s request I’m attempting to add disqus comments to my blog posts. Ignore this post!
This article made the rounds of twitter recently. I agree. There is a mismatch between statistical practice and training. Almost the first thing I did was flip to the appended data and see how they categorized UNL. I was relieved to see that we have a course beyond linear models; mine!
Should ecologists use sum-to-zero contrasts?
TL;DR No.