department of statistics

Laboraroty for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analsysis 

The earlier the better. Nothing is more frustrating than learning after the fact that your data are inadequate for valid statistical inference, or—the other extreme—that your time and resources were wasted by gathering more data than necessary.  We recommend that you see us during the pre-proposal phase of your research.

Yes.  The laboratory can offer University faculty, staff and graduate students up to 10 hours per semester of statistical advice and assistance for free.  If additional assistance is needed or the research is sponsored payment options can be arranged.

The Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis can be used by all University faculty, staff and graduate students.  Undergraduate participating in academic research can also use the Lab. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Statistical assistance from the laboratory can be requested by  submitting the on-line request form .  If you have any trouble with the form or need assistance completing it please contact Christina Dillion at consulting@stat.vt.edu or 540-231-5630.

How do I request statistical assistance for my research?

Who can use the Laboratory’s services?

Is statistical advice from the Laboratory really free?

At what stage in my research should I seek statistical advice?

To contact us:

 

 

Phone: 540-231-5329

Fax: 540-231-3863

E-mail: consulting@stat.vt.edu

If you seek our advice on experimental design or planning a survey before gathering your data—and we recommend that you do—bring a clear idea of the purpose of your research:  the hypotheses you'd like to test and the research questions you'd like to answer.  Copies of articles or earlier work on similar topics in your discipline would also be helpful. 

 

If you are seeking our advice on data analysis or report writing after the fact, in addition to the above bring a copy of the data gathering protocol, a file containing the data, and the results of any analyses already performed.

The consultants are primarily graduate students in the Department of Statistics.  A typical project will be assigned a consulting team consisting of one Ph.D. student and one Masters student.  More difficult or long term projects will also draw upon the faculty of the Department of Statistics.

The consulting laboratory is located in 401-B Hutcheson Hall.  The laboratory can be difficult to find your first time so typically consultants prefer to meet outside the Department of Statistics Main Office located at 406-A Hutcheson Hall.  A map of campus can be found here.

Where do I meet my consultants when I come for assistance?

Who are the consultants assisting me with my research?

What should I bring to the first consulting meeting?

At this time we are unable to offer walk-in service.  Telephone service is available currently on a limited basis.  We are working on expanding our ability to offer both of these services.

Do you offer walk-in or telephone service?

No.  Assistance from the consulting laboratory is for academic research.  We cannot assist with class projects.

Can I use the Laboratory for assistance on class projects?