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What is your research question? A mixed methods evaluation of an academic statistical consulting center

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  • Estrada, Samantha
  • Floren, Michael
  • Harding, Justin
  • Wroblewski, Matthew

Abstract

Academic consulting centers on research and statistics are the bridge between applied researchers and statisticians and thus at the core of university-wide research. The client-centered evaluation focused on investigating the perspective of the clients in university research and statistical consulting center. A mixed-methods methodology was used in this study, specifically a concurrent triangulation design was implemented to have multiple data sources collected and analyzed simultaneously in order to identify areas of overlapping information. The Research Consulting Scale (RCS) instrument was developed and analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis with 129 participants and resulted in two factors: consulting experience, and consulting facilities. The internal consistency reliability of the scores for these two factors was 0.89 and .86 respectively. These results support the RCS has strong internal consistency. Additionally, client interviews were conducted sampling from those who had responded to the survey in order to gather additional data. Thematic analysis was performed to interview data and resulted in two major themes: consultant expertise and consultancy skills. The results provide a survey instrument and key themes for university consulting centers to focus and assess their efficiency through client’s perspectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Estrada, Samantha & Floren, Michael & Harding, Justin & Wroblewski, Matthew, 2021. "What is your research question? A mixed methods evaluation of an academic statistical consulting center," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:89:y:2021:i:c:s0149718921000963
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.102001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. R. Kenett & P. Thyregod, 2006. "Aspects of statistical consulting not taught by academia," Statistica Neerlandica, Netherlands Society for Statistics and Operations Research, vol. 60(3), pages 396-411, August.
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    3. Byran J. Smucker & A. John Bailer, 2015. "Beyond Normal: Preparing Undergraduates for the Work Force in a Statistical Consulting Capstone," The American Statistician, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 69(4), pages 300-306, November.
    4. Omar Bentahar & Roslyn Cameron, 2015. "Design and Implementation of a Mixed Method Research Study in Project Management," Post-Print hal-01371708, HAL.
    5. John Horn, 1965. "A rationale and test for the number of factors in factor analysis," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 30(2), pages 179-185, June.
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