Shelter --Fall 1999.

Midcourse Check for the People in Places Habitat Study.

By now, all of you have had the opportunity to survey your census areas and experience first hand some of the challenges associated with conducting a sampling program, working with humans, and juggling a number of time consuming and times sensitive activities. By way of this memo, I wanted to reiterate some principles and methods of our People in Places investigations, and expectations of the coming week (Oct 25^th).

Our goal is to conduct a survey on each census area at each of these 18 sampling

times (these are the original times listed on the blackboard) by Friday, October 29. These sampling times are:

There are two sampling constraints. First, you should not conduct any two surveys that occur in the same row on the same day. For example, you should not sample at 0815 and 0823 on the same day. Second, samples must be done Monday through Friday.

For each sampling time, you should collect two types of data: 1) Each subject you observe (during a sample) should be recorded on your map as a dot. This dot should be identified by a number (or letter or symbol) that uniquely identifies that person. Because maps may get crowded with dots, we have extra copies of maps or you can use tracing paper. 2) Each person you identify by a dot on your map should also have a line on your data sheet that indicates the time and date of your sample, weather conditions, and the behavior of your subject. Importantly, the column labeled human number is where you put the unique identifier for that person. This will allow me to know where that person occurred on your map (i.e., it links the dot on a map with a line of data on the data sheet). Without both types of data, we will not be able to use your data in our final analysis. If you do not understand this please ask questions.

Finally, part of the success of this sampling will depend on doing your part. Some census areas are more difficult or time consuming than others. Unfortunately, there was no way of knowing this before starting. Don’t despair. We have a number of students who have completed their sampling and are willing to help you complete your sampling. However, they can only help if let us know that you need help.

Again, please ask for clarification if you do not understand these sampling guidelines and please ask for help if you anticipate not being able to complete your 18 sampling times by the end of Friday, Oct 29.