Biostatistical Group - Consulting

“The statistician who supposes that his main contribution to the planning
of an experiment will involve statistical theory, finds repeatedly
that he makes his most valuable contribution simply by persuading
the investigator to explain why he wishes
to do the experiment…” Gertrude M Cox

Biostatistical consultancy involves advice on study design, methodology, computer software, data analysis and preparation, and revision of articles and reports. The biostatisticians can also act as collaborators during research analysis or on long term studies, and provide training in statistical methods.

There is no charge for consultation services provided by biostatistical consultancy staff for Health researchers in the division of Health Sciences and the Otago District Health Board.  However, biostatistical work should be costed as part of research grant applications.

Priorities for statistical consulting are:

• Collaborative research with teams funded by the Health Research Council (HRC)
• Other HRC projects
• Non-HRC funded collaborative research projects
• Other research projects
• Support for PhD Students

The consulting statisticians always have plenty of work to do so make sure you make an appointment well in advance.  They are keen to see researchers at as early a stage as possible — usually this is when the research question is being refined.  PhD  students should arrange for their supervisor(s) to be present at least at the first meeting. It would be a good idea to talk to the statisticians before collecting data and definitely before entering the data into a computer. This could save a lot of time both for the statistician and the researcher.