Grant writing - methodological sections

Grant writing has continued to be one of my strengths, particularly for sections of NIH/NIMH proposals that deal with research design and methodology.  I work closely with my clients to review the specific aims and hypotheses so that the final analysis closely and parsimoniously reflects these goals.  As of the end of 2005, I have written these sections for six grants, all of which were funded without revision to the methodological sections.

Research design consultation

For numerous projects in clinical, academic, and industrial settings, I have helped to design research plans to answer diverse questions.  From sample size estimation to questionnaire design, and from nested groups to designing a priori means for controlling for multicollinearity, the best way to utilize my services (or that of any research consultant) is before the project begins.  A well-designed study will lessen the likelihood of not being able to answer questions that arise as part of the results (due to low power or unmeasured covariates).

Statistical computing using SAS / SPSS

As a well-trained programmer in SAS and SPSS, I have mastered the ability to complete analyses after checking that important assumptions are met for the tests at hand.  I am particularly familiar with multivariate analyses, including factor and discriminant analyses, mean comparisons with covariates, and regressions, but proficiencies also include structural equation modeling and neural networks.

Reporting of statistical results and conclusions

Probably the most important aspect of research is the communication of the results of your study to others.  Depending on the audience, the language of the results and conclusions needs to be tailored to concisely yet thoroughly communicate them in a way that make them meaningful and actionable.  Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint can be very effective tools for exploring results and making them interactive for certain audiences.

Statistical / Research design tutoring

Most importantly, I strive to teach or explain methodology and results in a way that makes sense.  Statistics are often challenging to understand, yet many students have reported that I have a communication style that tends to make theoretical discussions easy to comprehend and apply.  Application-based teaching, I have found, is the best method for helping others understand the complex world of statistics.

 

Research Design

and Analysis

adding apples to oranges