title: Choosing an appropriate sample interval for instantaneous sampling.
abstract: When using instantaneous sampling for collecting data, the interval between two succeeding scans is crucial. Utilising either too short or too long time intervals may produce erroneous results. A three-step procedure for graphically determining optimal sample interval for a behaviour pattern of an individual is presented. Two examples, data of a computer simulation and a living antelope illustrate the procedure. Finally, some general recommendations for an application of the procedure are given.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Zoologie I, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraβe 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Engel