ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to compare the accuracy of some different sampling methods for estimating frequency and duration of cockroach grooming behavior, and analyses the agreement between different observers simultaneously sampling the behavior of the same animal. In the process, students will have an opportunity to practice different sampling methods widely used in behavior studies, and to learn to use an event recorder. A number of methods exist for obtaining quantitative samples of an animal's behavior. The decision as to which method to use in a particular situation depends on the nature of the behavior of interest, the research objective, and the resources and preferences of the investigator. If more than one person is to participate in data collection over a period of time, ease of use and interobserver reliability may influence the choice of sampling convention. The adult American cockroach is the preferred animal, though almost any species of cockroach would be an acceptable substitute.
