Marked cards in the pack: Using playing cards to teach the importance of sample size & testing assumptions in capture–recapture estimations of population size

M. Calver; T. Blake

doi:10.1525/abt.2020.82.6.396

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Marked cards in the pack: Using playing cards to teach the importance of sample size & testing assumptions in capture–recapture estimations of population size

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Marked cards in the pack: Using playing cards to teach the importance of sample size & testing assumptions in capture–recapture estimations of population size

M. Calver and T. Blake

The American Biology Teacher, Vol.82(6), pp.396-401

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2020.82.6.396

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Abstract

Estimating population size is essential for many applications in population ecology, so capture–recapture techniques to do this are often taught in secondary school classrooms and introductory university units. However, few classroom simulations of capture–recapture consider the sensitivity of results to sampling intensity, the important concept that the population size calculated is an estimate with error attached, or the consequences of violating assumptions underpinning particular capture–recapture models. We describe a simple approach to teaching the Lincoln index method of capture–recapture using packs of playing cards. Students can trial different sampling intensities, calculate 95% confidence intervals for population estimates, and explore the consequences of violating specific assumptions.

Details

Title: Marked cards in the pack: Using playing cards to teach the importance of sample size & testing assumptions in capture–recapture estimations of population size
Authors/Creators: M. Calver (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
T. Blake (Author/Creator) - Trinity Theological College
Publication Details: The American Biology Teacher, Vol.82(6), pp.396-401
Publisher: National Association of Biology Teachers Inc.
Identifiers: 991005542692007891
Copyright: © 2020 National Association of Biology Teachers.
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology; 3.35.274 Wildlife Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Biology; Education, Scientific Disciplines
ESI research areas: Social Sciences, general