Week 2

Preparing for Biostatistical Consulting

➤ This week we will explore how to be prepared for a statistical consultation and review consulting vignettes.

Before Class

Preparing for a Consultation

📖 What to Ask During A Consultation (3 minutes)

📖 4 Tips for Statistical Consulting (7 minutes)

1. What did Chanel say were the main reasons why she struggled with her consulting project?

📖 Textbook Chapter 1

In Class

Consulting Vignettes

🎥 Realistic Timelines for Work

1. In this video the researcher wanted immediate assistance. What is one thing the consultant did to reassure the researcher?
2. If a client came to you with a thesis draft deadline in two days, how would you respond to them?
3. Some statisticians may find it useful to, say, triple the amount of time you think it will take to complete a project, in order to account for unforeseen circumstances. What considerations may be needed for deciding on a reasonable time frame?

🎥 Beginning and Ending A Meeting Effectively

1. What did the consultant say was the most important goal in a first meeting?
2. Why did the consultant wrap up the discussion 10 minutes before the end of the scheduled time slot?
3. What is one pitfall that could occur if the statistician gave the client specific statistical advice during this first meeting?

🎥 Using Statistical Results to Identify Questions

1. List 3 things you think the client should have known before entering this consultation.
2. Given your current or hypothetical future position, would you take on a project like this knowing the grant proposal did not have a budget for statistical consulting/collaboration?
3. The researcher believed that “statistical magic” could be used to determine which variables are the most important. What challenges could arise from this view? What might you do to discuss this topic with potential clients?