In Professor Stauffer’s words, the book “strikes a balance between the old and new ways of doing statistics.”
His work is titled “Contemporary Bayesian and Frequentist Statistical Research Methods for Natural Resource Scientists.” “Bayesian” derives from the name of an 18th century English mathematician, Thomas Bayes, who developed a model for calculating probability and quantifying uncertainty.
In his book, Dr. Stauffer contrasts Bayesian statistical methods with more traditional “frequentist” ones, which calculate probability based on actually-observed frequencies.
Bayesian methods, in contrast, take into account prior probabilities — prior information — when scientists interpret their observations.
Professor Stauffer makes the case in his book that these newer techniques in statistical analysis can be used to great advantage in the natural resource sciences.
The volume is unique: there is no other comprehensive book currently available on these contemporary statistical research methods for natural resource sciences.
In addition to being a professor at Humboldt State University, Dr. Stauffer is a contractor who has worked for the United States Forest Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Forestry Service, the British Columbia Ministry of Forests and other governmental agencies and companies for more than 35 years as a forestry and wildlife management statistician. His book will help natural resource scientists to interpret their data and clarify the findings they present to colleagues in natural resources law, management and public policy.
The book includes case studies that demonstrate the need for newer methods of statistical analysis in natural resource science applications. It includes an introduction to statistical computer software, the fundamental concepts of Bayesian statistical analysis and linear and mixed-effects modeling. It can also be used as a textbook in intermediate undergraduate or introductory graduate courses in contemporary statistical research methods for natural resource students and scientists.
“In recent years, there have been major advances in the methods of statistics used for research in the natural resource sciences,” Professor Stauffer writes in his introduction. “Yet, little of this is known outside selected research circles.”
Now, he emphasizes, students and scientists alike are in a position to take advantage of new techniques to supplement traditional methods.
In keeping with Humboldt State’s emphasis on direct approaches, Dr. Stauffer’s new book is “hands-on” throughout, illustrating concepts with relevant software languages.
A professor at Humboldt State since 1985, Dr. Stauffer will hold a book signing on Thursday, March 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Bookstore at University Center. The public is invited to attend.
The book can be purchased via email at custserv@wiley.com or by dialing 1-877/762-2974.