Is statistical ornithology a job?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a job title for a fictional scientist who studies bird statistics from a computer, rather than engaging in fieldwork due to a disability. Participants explore the terminology and plausibility of such a role within the context of ornithology and statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the term "ornithological statistician" as a potential job title, indicating that it reflects the statistical aspect of ornithology.
  • Another participant argues that creating a job title for the character is plausible, noting that the sciences often involve specialization and that fictional job titles can be accepted in storytelling.
  • A later reply emphasizes the distinction between a field of research, "statistical ornithology," and the job title, "ornithological statistician," suggesting a hierarchy in terminology similar to other scientific fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the plausibility of the job title "ornithological statistician," but there is no consensus on the formal recognition of such a role in the field of ornithology.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the formal existence of the job title or the sub-field of statistical ornithology, leaving the definitions and recognition of these terms open to interpretation.

Khantazm
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Basically, I'm writing a story but I don't think this qualifies for the relevant board. So, I've got a scientist who's holed in a basement room of some university with his computer, and he presumably studies statistics of birds (or something, but using a computer). Is there a name for his job description? I mean as far as I've been able to see, actual ornithologists spend quite a bit of time in the field, and this guy can't go because of a disability.
 
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I think you might need to swap the words around to get a job title out of that, ornithological statistician. Considering there are statistics involved in ornithology and you're writing a story, I can't see why you can't make this job up. Worse science has been proposed (2012), I would consider it plausible and if I saw it written in a book, I wouldn't bat an eyelid at the concept.

You'd basically be doing what is done in the world of work all the time, splitting jobs into more specialised fields and let's face it if there's any field that is renowned for specialisation, it's the sciences.
 
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Thanks a bunch for the input. Regardless of artistic license, I like your wording much better. There's something a bit more job-titley in "ornithological statistician"... If mine was a job title at all.
 
Khantazm said:
Thanks a bunch for the input. Regardless of artistic license, I like your wording much better. There's something a bit more job-titley in "ornithological statistician"... If mine was a job title at all.

That's quite okay, glad I could be of help :) I'm not a biologist but I'm pretty good at language which is why I made that conclusion. I think maybe statistical ornithology, if a sub-field, would be the field of research and the job would be ornithological statistician, because the generalisation comes second. Theoretical physicists are a type of physicist, for example.
 

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