Frequently Asked Questions

How can SCC help you...

What services are offered?

Statistical Design Consulting services include assistance with all phases of research projects. Consultants are available to help with:

  • proposal preparation
  • design of studies
  • data input strategies
  • data import/export
  • analysis of data
  • interpretation of results
  • presentation of results
  • other statistics or probability problems

What is expected of me at the first meeting?

In order to fully understand the problem, the SCC staff needs to have a firm understanding of the experimental context, the method used to sample and collect data, and the research questions to be answered. If available, please provide the staff with a copy of the data on diskette for use while developing recommendations. In addition, graphical descriptions of the data are also helpful.

When can my requests be delayed for processing?

When the university is closed and during the finals week, your requests might not be processed quickly.

What can I expect from the SCC?

  • A description of an appropriate analysis strategy.
  • The rationale behind the choice of methodology.
  • The computer code necessary to carry out the analysis if needed.
  • Assistance in interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis.

How much do these services cost?

In most cases, individuals affiliated with Illinois State University will receive these services free of charge. The SCC cannot input data or conduct data analysis after the recommendations are provided free of charge.

How much time will the consultant spend on my project?

Since the consultants are volunteering their time, and the Center wants to be available for every request, we try to limit each project to a maximum of five hours.  Exceptions can be made based on the consultant's recommendation.

How do I get in touch with the stat center?

You can reach us by telephone, e-mail or the Internet at the following:

Applying for help...

What is the Procedure?

If you are interested in using the services of this SCC, please use the following process:

  • Fill out the Online Request for SCC Services form in the section "Requesting the service"
  • This form will be sent to the SCC who will document the request and forward the request to the University Statistical Fellow.
  • The SCC member will contact you and you will meet to discuss your statistical research needs.
  • Both you and the University Statistical Fellow will complete a very short online summary and evaluation of the project upon completion of your collaboration.

Who is eligible?

ISU faculty, graduate students and staff members are eligible for help. Graduate students are eligible only after the approval from their advisor. Their advisor should send an email to approving it.

When should I apply?

Statistical Design and Data Analysis consultants are most effective when they are involved in the formulation and design stages of the project. Please consider this when planning your research, and apply for consulting services as early in the process as possible.

How long does it take to get a consultant?

When all application material is complete, a consultant will be assigned to you (usually within 2 working days) and will contact you to arrange for the initial meeting

How do I get involved in this exciting endeavor as an ISU Faculty Member?

University Statistical Fellows are appointed for 1 or 2 year commitments based on an evaluation by the SCC Provost's Committee. We welcome the involvement of all faculty members at ISU. Please contact your SCC representative if you are interested in getting involved with the SCC.

We also recognize that the research programs of many valued colleagues principally rely on resources that are not statistical in nature. However, we do not currently have the resources within this (essentially nonfunded) initial grass roots effort to offer such support. Faculty with research-based non-statistical expertise are encouraged to contact their college's SCC representatives if willing to assist this group in expanding our services by either serving on the Provost's committee or as a University Statistical Fellow.