Environmental Sampling training

Environmental Sampling Theory [logo]

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Environmental Sampling Theory -
Study Design, Data Collection, and the Appropriate Use of Statistics in Data Reporting
Course I.D. STAT-403
March 2-3, 2009, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (2 Days)
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government
411 State Street
Albany, NY

Instructor: Dr. Harold J. Geiger

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (pdf)

Description: This course provides an overview that will cover the basic terms, concepts, and logic that underlie modern scientific sampling. Much of the class will be devoted to the understanding of how to apply the basic concepts of probability to sampling problems and how to use probability theory to design an appropriate sampling protocol and measure its effectiveness. We will compare the difference between purposive and random sampling and discuss why random sampling (and its many variations) is so frequently used in manufacturing, science, and government. This class will emphasize written communication, in the style of a scientific report, as an essential part of the scientific sampling process. The course is intended for environmental professionals who have had a limited statistical background, who hope to plan small-scale sampling studies, or who use sampling results to make management recommendations. This is not a course about number crunching, nor a class on sample size determination. This is a brief introduction to the theory and practice of scientific sampling.

About the Instructor: Dr. Geiger is a biologist and biometrician who has worked in Pacific salmon stock assessment in Alaska for the last 24 years. He has published on topics ranging from sampling, to population genetics, to the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on pink salmon. His emphasis in teaching statistics is on how to use quantitative results in scientific communications, rather than on statistical formulae or calculations. Dr. Geiger has served two terms as the president of the Alaska chapter of the American Statistical Association and served as president of the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society in 2005.

Course Topics:

Terms, concepts, and background:

Statistical population, sampling units, population parameters, statistics, samples
Mathematical notation and reading and writing equations
Understanding the measures of central tendency and measures of variation in a population

Three sampling approaches, their strengths and weaknesses

Purposive sampling
Simple random sampling
Systematic sampling

Some probability distributions

Binomial discrete distribution
Normal distribution and why many things approximately have this distribution

A simple mark-recapture study and spreadsheet simulations

The Petersen estimate
Understanding parametric bootstrap methods
The sampling distribution
The effect of sample size
Sampling and non-sampling errors - Typical measures of sampling error

Stratified random sampling

As a way to increase precision
Sampling domains

Written summaries of sampling studies

The use of equations in reports
Correct use of terms like bias, stratification, or parameter
Inferring population characteristics from a sample
Using statistical results to support conclusions
Generating wisdom rather than just more numbers

After completing this course, participants will be able to understand, discuss, and recommend basic sampling approaches using the standard terminology of modern statistics. The student will have a basic understanding of how to use probability and simulation to understand the precision and limitations of sampling-based estimates. Moreover, the student should be able to help develop written summaries of sampling studies and to defend these studies using the logic of scientific sampling.

Prerequisites: A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Previous statistics or probability training/experience is recommended.

Education Level: Intermediate. The course is not recommended for professionals with extensive experience designing scientific sampling projects, unless a majority of course topics listed above are not well understood. It is also not a guide to how to calculate statistics; the focus is on the use of statistics to describe and understand phenomena.

Course Materials: Each participant will receive a copy of the course proceedings including notes and reference material.

CM | 15
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity [or many activities at this event]. When CM credits are available, they are noted at the end of an activity description. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Please bring a laptop computer with Microsoft Excel (with the Analysis Toolpack installed) , writing tools (pens or pencils), coffee mug and water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothing.

Registration: $495 (*$395 reduced tuition available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.