Cause and Correlation in Biology: A User's Guide to Path Analysis, Structural Equations and Causal Inference with R

Many problems in biology require an understanding of the relationships among variables in a multivariate causal context. Exploring such cause-effect relationships through a series of statistical methods, this book explains how to test causal hypotheses when randomised experiments cannot be performed. This completely revised and updated edition features detailed explanations for carrying out statistical methods using the popular and freely available R statistical language. Sections on d-sep tests, latent constructs that are common in biology, missing values, phylogenetic constraints, and multilevel models are also an important feature of this new edition. Written for biologists and using a minimum of statistical jargon, the concept of testing multivariate causal hypotheses using structural equations and path analysis is demystified. Assuming only a basic understanding of statistical analysis, this new edition is a valuable resource for both students and practising biologists.

Author: Bill Shipley
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 04/18/2016
Pages: 314
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.38lbs
Size: 9.82h x 6.88w x 0.63d
ISBN: 9781107442597

About the Author
Shipley, Bill: - Bill Shipley is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Université de Sherbrooke, Canada. His research interests centre upon plant ecophysiology, functional and community ecology, and statistical modelling. He is the author of From Plant Traits to Vegetation Structure: Chance and Selection in the Assembly of Ecological Communities, published by Cambridge University Press.