Abstract
Long-tailed distributions can distort findings, influence statistical tests, and result in small effect sizes. This research note proposed a definition of long-tailed distributions (i.e., SD/M ≥ 1) and developed an alternative formulation of the Cohen’s d effect size based on percent differences. Three hypotheses were examined: (a) waterfowl hunter harvest distributions tend to be long-tailed distributions, (b) differences in the means of two long-tailed distributions have minimal (d < .2) effect sizes unless the percent difference exceeds 20%, and (c) a minimal effect size does not necessarily imply that the difference in means should be ignored. Data obtained from 29 (1990–2018) annual waterfowl surveys in Illinois (n = 45,978) supported all three hypotheses. Statistical and managerial implications are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 281-290 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Human Dimensions of Wildlife |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs |
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State | Published - May 3 2020 |
Keywords
- Cohen’s d
- Long-tailed distributions
- duck harvest distributions
- effect size
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nature and Landscape Conservation
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law