Publication
Quantifying fixed individual heterogeneity in demographic parameters: Performance of correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables
Publisher:
Wiley
Date:
27-10-2021
DOI:
10.1111/2041-210X.13728
Abstract: An increasing number of empirical studies aim to quantify in idual variation in demographic parameters because these patterns are key for evolutionary and ecological processes. Advanced approaches to estimate in idual heterogeneity are now using a multivariate normal distribution with correlated in idual random effects to account for the latent correlations among different demographic parameters occurring within in iduals. Despite the frequent use of multivariate mixed models, we lack an assessment of their reliability when applied to Bernoulli variables. Using simulations, we estimated the reliability of multivariate mixed effect models for estimating correlated fixed in idual heterogeneity in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. We evaluated both bias and precision of the estimates across a range of scenarios that investigate the effects of life‐history strategy, levels of in idual heterogeneity and presence of temporal variation and state dependence. We also compared estimates across different s ling designs to assess the importance of study duration, number of in iduals monitored and detection probability. In many simulated scenarios, the estimates for the correlated random effects were biased and imprecise, which highlight the challenge in estimating correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables. The amount of fixed among‐in idual heterogeneity was frequently overestimated, and the absolute value of the correlation between random effects was almost always underestimated. Simulations also showed contrasting performances of mixed models depending on the scenario considered. Generally, estimation bias decreases and precision increases with slower pace of life, large fixed in idual heterogeneity and large s le size. We provide guidelines for the empirical investigation of in idual heterogeneity using correlated random effects according to the life‐history strategy of the species, as well as, the volume and structure of the data available to the researcher. Caution is warranted when interpreting results regarding correlated in idual random effects in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. Because bias varies with s ling design and life history, comparisons of in idual heterogeneity among species is challenging. The issue addressed here is not specific to demography, making this warning relevant for all research areas, including behavioural and evolutionary studies.