Environmental Statistics: Scientific Sampling in Sacramento, California

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Principles of Environmental Sampling -
Study Design, Data Reporting and the Appropriate Use of Statistics to Support Conclusions
Course I.D. STAT-403
September 16 - 18, 2008, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (3 Days)
Tsakopoulos Library Galleria - Sacramento Public Library
East Meeting Room
828 I Street
Sacramento, California

Instructor: Dr. Harold J. Geiger

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | PDF Course Brochure

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 to measure the effectiveness of the sampling process. 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 with a limited statistical background that must use scientific sampling to describe natural phenomena or who must use sampling to make management recommendations.

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 equations
- Measures of central tendency and measures of variation in a population

Three sampling approaches

- 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
- 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

- Methods, results, discussion, and abstracts
- 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 study precision in 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: Introductory/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.

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

Continuing Education Units: 2.0

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 appropriate for the prevailing weather.

Registration: $595 (*$495 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.