First and most obvious, you can determine the statistical relationships between variables–something that is not possible in qualitative research, with its focus on perceptions and experiences of phenomena, rather than the phenomena itself. Second, numerical data are comparatively easy to analyze (as opposed to qualitative data), you are not limited in your sample size. This allows you to use large samples of randomly selected participants, which in turn allows you to confidently generalize the results from your statistical analysis to the broader population this sample represents.

At QandQ, we provide targeted statistical consulting to help you develop and address the following areas of your quantitative methodology section (as they apply to your study):

• Definitions of your variables
• Creation of research questions and testable hypotheses
• Discussion of survey instrument or archival dataset
• A statistical analysis plan which lays out the precise methods and tests that will be performed for the study
• Validity and reliability of your constructs
• Power analysis to determine the optimal/required sample size

More specifically, we offer comprehensive dissertation assistance with each key area of your methodology section or chapter, to ensure you have a clear plan for data collection and statistical analysis to present to your chair, committee, and IRB.

• We first conduct a one-on-one consultation and an in-depth review of your prospectus, concept paper, or proposal draft, to understand the general aims of your study. In particular, we’ll familiarize ourselves with your variables and selected research design, and your plans for data collection, including any preliminary discussion of your survey or other instruments and your testing plan.
• At this point, we then develop a comprehensive plan for focused statistical consulting assistance, emphasizing any key areas that should be revisited or supported by current research in your discipline. These initial recommendations include everything from revisiting your research design (many researchers new to statistical analysis select a descriptive design, but this is typically not robust enough for doctoral-level research), to performing your power analysis, to updating your testing plan to ensure that your statistical analysis will definitively prove or disprove your hypotheses.
• After a little back and forth on the planned methodology, we then work with you to assist in the creation of a draft of your methods section. In addition to the specific issues mentioned above, we can also help you address the validity and reliability of your constructs and data collection instrument, as well as any additional tests you might need to conduct to account for issues such as a smaller-than-ideal dataset or to validate a new data collection tool.

While finalizing a complete draft of the methodology for more complex quantitative research can be time-consuming, we’re able to draw on our more than 10 years as a leading statistical analysis firm to complete this work as little as 2-3 days. We know that your time is valuable and can work with virtually any timeline!