MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint

Data Collection and Analysis
Imara’s behaviors were analyzed using focal animal sampling, which is a fixed period of
continuous observation on a single individual or small group of individuals. Event behaviors,
which are instantaneous or momentary, occur without measurable duration, and can be
considered the onset of any behavior, were recorded into a field journal. The frequency of one
behavior was divided by the total number of identified behaviors to yield the relative frequencies
and the probability of a behavior occurring at a particular time (Paterson 2001).
Results
Imara was observed to have 36 defined behaviors (Figure 2). Locomotion had the highest
relative frequency of 0.25. The second highest was rest recorded at 0.13. The relative frequency
of groom self was 0.09 and receive embrace was 0.08. Scan had a relative frequency of 0.07.
Groom and Chiana-present was recorded at 0.05 and 0.04 respectively. Forage, bark, receive hit,
and stare all had a relative frequencies of 0.03. Being kissed, scream, bob, retreat, and play had
relative frequencies of 0.02. The relative frequencies of give embrace and eat was 0.01. Leap,
climb, copulation, and feed had relative frequencies of 0.006. Aggressive display and pace was
recorded at 0.004. The relative frequencies of swing, being groomed, cling, and chase all were
0.003. The lowest relative frequency of 0.001 was recorded in the behaviors Tanya-present,
observe public, give kiss, bipedal locomotion, hang, and drink. Present and Peaceful had no
relative frequency (Figure 2).
Meeting of Minds 2006
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