Developing a Multiple Driver Research Strategy Using Multiple Environmental Driver Design Lab for Experiments

Christina M. McGraw, Erik C. Krieger, Natalie del Carmen Bravo Senmache, Christopher E. Cornwall, Sam Dupont

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-38
Number of pages2
JournalLimnology and Oceanography Bulletin
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
A growing number of researchers are investigating the impact of multiple drivers on marine species and ecosystems to better understand our changing ocean (Boyd et al. 2018). These studies often require that researchers incorporate multiple drivers into their experiments. However, including three or more drivers in a single experiment can quickly lead to a design with an unmanageable number of experimental permutations. The study rapidly becomes logistically challenging and the ability of the researcher to successfully complete the experiment is compromised. To help researchers address these challenges, a Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research infrastructural project was established: Changing Ocean Biological Systems: how will biota respond to a changing ocean. Through this project, a range of resources have been developed within the Multiple Environmental Driver Design Lab for Experiments (MEDDLE) to help researchers design and carry out tractable, multiple driver experiments (Fig. 1). These web-based resources, which are available on the MEDDLE website (https://meddle-scor149.org/), include: Best practice guide: an evolving electronic book demonstrates how to break down complex questions into a series of tractable, multiple driver experiments (Boyd et al. 2019). Video tutorials: eight video tutorials provide background information and explore specific aspects of multiple driver research. Decision support tool: a three-step questionnaire guides researchers through the selection of an appropriate experimental design, development of a data analysis plan, and identification of necessary resources. Simulation software: MEDDLE simulation software generates multiple driver experimental data, allowing researchers to explore experimental design and analysis options before time and resources are invested. Although these MEDDLE resources were designed for self-paced learning, we have developed a series of 1-day to 2-week in person and virtual workshops. These workshops bring together early career and established researchers who are interested in moving from single-driver to multiple driver experiments.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Water Science and Technology

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