Lack of quantitative training among early-career ecologists: a survey of the problem and potential solutions

TY - JOUR

T1 - Lack of quantitative training among early-career ecologists

T2 - a survey of the problem and potential solutions

AU - Barraquand, Frederic

AU - Ezard, Thomas H. G.

AU - Jorgensen, Peter S.

AU - Zimmerman, Naupaka

AU - Chamberlain, Scott

AU - Salguero-Gomez, Roberto

AU - Curran, Timothy J.

AU - Poisot, Timothee

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - Proficiency in mathematics and statistics is essential to modern ecological science, yet few studies have assessed the level of quantitative training received by ecologists. To do so, we conducted an online survey. The 937 respondents were mostly early-career scientists who studied biology as undergraduates. We found a clear self-perceived lack of quantitative training: 75% were not satisfied with their understanding of mathematical models; 75% felt that the level of mathematics was "too low" in their ecology classes; 90% wanted more mathematics classes for ecologists; and 95% more statistics classes. Respondents thought that 30% of classes in ecology-related degrees should be focused on quantitative disciplines, which is likely higher than for most existing programs. The main suggestion to improve quantitative training was to relate theoretical and statistical modeling to applied ecological problems. Improving quantitative training will require dedicated, quantitative classes for ecology-related degrees that contain good mathematical and statistical practice.

AB - Proficiency in mathematics and statistics is essential to modern ecological science, yet few studies have assessed the level of quantitative training received by ecologists. To do so, we conducted an online survey. The 937 respondents were mostly early-career scientists who studied biology as undergraduates. We found a clear self-perceived lack of quantitative training: 75% were not satisfied with their understanding of mathematical models; 75% felt that the level of mathematics was "too low" in their ecology classes; 90% wanted more mathematics classes for ecologists; and 95% more statistics classes. Respondents thought that 30% of classes in ecology-related degrees should be focused on quantitative disciplines, which is likely higher than for most existing programs. The main suggestion to improve quantitative training was to relate theoretical and statistical modeling to applied ecological problems. Improving quantitative training will require dedicated, quantitative classes for ecology-related degrees that contain good mathematical and statistical practice.

U2 - 10.7717/peerj.285

DO - 10.7717/peerj.285

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 24688862

SN - 2167-8359

VL - 2

SP - 1

EP - 14

JO - PeerJ

JF - PeerJ

ER -