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Statistical Methods For Nonlinear Dynamic Models With Measurement Error Using The Ricker Model, David Joseph Resendes

Open Access Dissertations

In ecological population management, years of animal counts are fit to nonlinear, dynamic models (e.g. the Ricker model) because the values of the parameters are of interest. The yearly counts are subject to measurement error, which inevitably leads to biased estimates and adversely affects inference if ignored. In the literature, often convenient distribution assumptions are imposed, readily available estimated measurement error variances are not utilized, or the measurement error is ignored entirely. In this thesis, ways to estimate the parameters of the Ricker model and perform inference while accounting for measurement error are investigated where distribution assumptions are minimized and …