Types of Service
We have used many different methods of statistical analysis to make better decisions. We have experience designing research from such diverse areas as clinical trials, market research, nursing, education, psychology, and manufacturing to name a few. We give the same attention to clients whether they require simple tests or a fairly complex multivariate method.
Following is a list of general services that apply to a variety of designs:
- Research Design
We give advice about a proposed design and statistical analysis. The client may need help defining your population of study, choosing a method of sampling, editing your hypotheses, a power analysis, help choosing a statistical method, and general research design issues.
- Test/Survey Construction
We can guide you through the process of developing a test or survey. This may include developing a table of specifications (a.k.a., test blueprint), writing items, factor analyzing the items, and assessing the psychometric properties (reliability, etc.) of the measure. This is usually a multi-stage process.
- Construction of a Data File
By "construction of a data file" we will create a data file that will be used for data entry and give instructions for data entry. The client must have access to one of the following computer programs: a spreadsheet program (Excel, Quattro, etc.), a database program (Access, Dbase, etc.), or a statistics package (such as SPSS). We may have to transform and create new variables depending on the type of analysis we run. There is one right way to proceed and an almost infinite number of wrong ways. We know the right way.
If at all possible, please do not send data in a proprietary format (meaning that it cannot be analyzed by standard statistical software packages). This creates a time consuming barrier and often leads to an inflated bill.
What about data entry? One data entry option (for an additional fee) is to hire us to do the data entry. We can give you an exact time estimate when we know the sample size and number of variables we are dealing with. Obviously, the larger the sample size, the longer it will take for us to enter the data. Contact us for an estimate for data entry.
- Analyze the Data and Write a Summary of the Results
We screen the data for errors, run the analysis, and summarize the conclusions. We highlight the most important parts of the statistical output, explain what each piece means in a word processed summary document, and provide a general summary. If high resolution graphs are needed, they may be sent in a separate data file.
- Edit Your Results
After you write up the results, you may opt for our editing services. We edit the tables and text that you have created and review the document as if it were being submitted to a scholarly publication. We are familiar with the popular APA format for scientific writing.
We do not write results sections when the client maintains authorship. That presents an ethical/authorship dilemma that we avoid. All edits are done on a hardcopy printout, photocopied, then mailed to the client.
The total cost will depend on which services are needed. Select the following link for information about fees and typical costs.
