FAQ

1. At what stage of research is it best to seek methodological advice?

For best results, begin collaboration as early as possible. Nothing is more frustrating than learning after the fact that your data are inadequate for valid statistical inference, or — the other extreme — that your time and resources were wasted by gathering more data than necessary. We recommend that you see us during the pre-proposal phase of your research.

2. What can OMDS staff do to help your proposal preparation?

Methodological thinking can contribute greatly to the success of research proposals in most areas. At many granting agencies, the quality of methodological planning can tip the balance in favor of funding. We can help you with proposal preparation by advising you on the methodological aspects of your proposed research. This includes experimental design, sample-survey planning, and subsequent analyses. If a substantial role for statistics is proposed, we will gladly join in your proposal to the extent that our resources permit.

3. What if my questions cannot be answered in one session?

Multiple sessions are quite common. Repeat sessions may continue over weeks, months, or even years. If the assigned team cannot answer all of your questions, they will (a) tell you so, (b) schedule a follow-up appointment, or (c) find the information you need, either by delving into the relevant methodological literature, or by consulting with a colleague who has the expertise required.

4. What should I bring to the initial meeting?

If you seek our advice on experimental design or planning a survey before gathering your data — and we recommend that you do — bring a clear idea of the purpose of your research: the hypotheses you'd like to test and the research questions you'd like to answer. Copies of articles or earlier work on similar topics in your discipline would also be helpful. If you are seeking our advice on data analysis or report writing after the fact, then also bring a copy of the data gathering protocol, a spreadsheet copy of the data itself, and the results of any analyses already performed.

5. What is the cost of services?

We expect to provide fee-free short-term basic services to most or all clients from the CEHS who seek our assistance, although it may depend on the availability of faculty and graduate student consultants. In general, fee-free services will include 90 minutes per semester for CEHS faculty and graduate students. Further consultation will be charged at the prevailing rates for graduate students and faculty. Clients who work on sponsored projects or are from outside of the CEHS would generally be expected to pay for the consulting services. Please contact Dr. Jamison Fargo for more information.

6. Does OMDS provide computer assistance?

The general answer is yes, but there are qualifications. The significant word here is "statistical." OMDS will provide assistance with the use of statistical computer software, but we do not provide assistance with more general computer software, such as operating systems, file management programs, or word processing programs.

7. In what condition should my data be in when I come to the OMDS?

We have found that cleaning and preparing data for analysis requires far longer than actually running some of the analyses. Therefore, it is helpful (and cost-effective) to have thoroughly investigated your data, checked for impossible values, and have it organized in a spreadsheet prior to your initial meeting. One bit of advice, leave missing data blank or use an impossible value to code this data (e.g., -999), never use a 0! Quantify as much of your data as possible (i.e. code open ended responses into a few categories consistent with your research purpose, and never have more than one value in a single spreadsheet cell). We also request that NO names or social security numbers be included in any data handled by OMDS. If such information must be included, however, we will use special encryption procedures for its protection. Your data will be stored in a secured computer environment protected by user authorization and passwords. Data of all formats are welcome (e.g., 3.5 floppy, zip, USB drives, CD, [but no DVDs please]).

8.What software does OMDS use for data analysis?

We have many software programs available for data manipulation and analysis. We also possess programs for converting data from one statistical software format to another. We posses licenses for SPSS, SAS, Mplus, HLM, and LISREL and also have many open source software programs available (e.g., Epi Info, G*Power, R, Weka).

9. Do you provide help with undergraduate or graduate research methods or statistical homework?

No. We are not a methodological or statistical “tutoring” center. Please see your instructor or your teaching assistants for help.