Abstract Submission

1. To submit your abstract electronically, send an e-mail message with the words "SEG-IV Abstract" in the subject line. In the body of the message, type the following headings, each on a new line of text (example below). On the same line as each heading, type the requested information (text in parentheses following heading represents options for that heading - please choose appropriate options).

   Session: (workshop #/paper/poster)
   Audio-visual aids: (LCD-PowerPoint/VHS tapedeck/35mm slide/overhead/easel)
   Presenting/Correspondence Author Name:
   E-mail address:
   Institution:
   Mailing address:
   City and State/Province:
   Postal code and Country:
   Telephone:
   Facsimile:
   1st co-author name and e-mail address:
   1st co-author Institution:
   2nd co-author name and e-mail address:
   2nd co-author Institution:
   Title of Presentation:
   Text of Abstract: (maximum length = 175 words, begin on new line of text)

2. Below the Abstract text, skip one line, then type "END".
3. Remove any signature files that would be automatically appended to your e-mail message.
4. Send messages to cfsjm@eiu.edu

The following is an example of an Abstract submitted via e-mail (the body of the message):

Session: paper
Audio-visual aids: VHS tapedeck
Presenting/Correspondence Author Name: Christopher Phillips
e-mail address: chrisp@inhs.uiuc.edu
Institution: Illinois Natural History Survey
Mailing address: 607 East Peabody Drive
City and State/Province: Champaign, Illinois
Postal code and Country: 61820 USA
Telephone: 217.244.7077
Facsimile: 217.333.4949
1 st co-author name and e-mail address: Stephen Mullin ; cfsjm@eiu.edu
1 st co-author Institution: Eastern Illinois University
2 nd co-author name and e-mail address:
2 nd co-author Institution:
Title of Presentation: Tall tales and snake trails: Ecologists and their adventures with ophidian reptiles.
Text of Abstract: (maximum length = 175 words, begin on new line of text)
In addition to precise measurement, the quality of scientific research is reflected in the accuracy of its description. Due to their enthusiasm, we suspect that ecologists occasionally exaggerate their descriptions of encounters with snakes in the field. We compared the accuracy of description by field biologists who encounter snakes, whether such encounters are intentional or incidental. From the past 10 years of peer-reviewed literature, we randomly sampled 200 papers that included descriptions of field encounters with snakes. We then interviewed the papers' senior authors, asking each to describe the previously-published encounter. When compared to the original publication, descriptive accuracy is negatively correlated with the number graduate students in the room at the time of the interview, and with the number of years since the interviewee's last promotion. Furthermore, we suspect that the descriptive accuracy may also vary as a function of the location of the interview – with accuracy decreasing in establishments serving fermented beverages – but feel that this conclusion is tentative and warrants much additional study.

END.

Abstract Submission Form (pdf - size 30kb)