ABSTRACT
The longitudinal study provides a rationale for interpreting observations, such as the Minoo-B group of Japanese macaques which was observed to maintain a stable organization during summer in spite of the absence of adult males. Observations on recognizable individuals through one or more generations can reveal the genealogical relations between members of a social group. The chapter discusses three aspects of field studies: the focus, the type of measurement, and the time unit. Type of measurement refers to the way in which observations are quantified. A numerical typology results when quantified observations are given as means or other measures of central tendency. The chapter reviews the techniques and methods employed, a review of conclusions it has produced which differ from conclusions based upon short-term studies, and a concluding discussion of the goals of the longitudinal study of social organization. Loy examined relations among frequency of mating, dominance rank of mate, and age of mate among rhesus monkeys.
