Statistical consulting is the practice of helping clients through the sometimes confusing and overwhelming realm of statistics. While almost every discipline and industry will require statistical analysis at some point of time, not everyone is equipped to conduct valid research or analysis. A statistical consultant can assist in the many different facets of statistics.

Benefits of Statistical Consulting

One important area of statistical consulting is developing appropriate research designs. A research instrument that is developed without an analysis plan in mind is much more difficult to analyze. Inappropriate designs can generate large volumes of un-analyzable information. By fine tuning your research questions and methodology, you are much more likely to generate valid, statistically sounds results.

Regardless of whether a consultant helped develop your research plan or not, one can help you with the analysis of your data. Using an inappropriate analytical technique can result in a paper being rejected from a journal, a grant committee rejecting your proposal, or decisions being based on false conclusions. Statistical consulting can select the most appropriate techniques for your data and reporting needs.

A statistical consultant can also help with the writing of reports, grants, and other publications. A statistician can accurately and clearly describe the methods and results. Often, even if he or she did not conduct the analysis, the statistician can still provide an expert opinion to bolster your work.