The Center for Statistics and Advanced Analytics provides support to Boston College researchers related to the collection and the analysis of data. Our team includes statisticians and other data experts who are available for consultations in the areas of Statistics, Machine Learning, Psychometrics, Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research, Data Acquisition (e.g., research designs and survey tools), and Data Visualization. The Center also includes research computing experts. Hardware is available to run large or complex analyses, and we also maintain secure file systems for data storage. Staff members are available for basic consulting and for grant support.
What We Do
Statistics and Research Methods
We offer statistical consulting to researchers, faculty, and students involved in research at Boston College. We provide consultation on all aspects of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. We seek to promote high-quality use of statistical methods and presentation of data in grant proposals, manuscripts, and dissertations. We recommend that you contact us at the very earliest stage of your research. We aim to play an effective role as a member of your research team. We can assist in the following areas:
Grant Preparation听and Support
This is an important and valued part of our mission to aid in high-quality research at Boston College. Our staff includes statisticians that have current and past funding by the NIH. Grant Preparation is an iterative process between the statistician and principal investigator and therefore we recommend contacting us in the early stages of your grant preparation.
For grant proposal submissions we provide power analyses, experimental design consults, and data analysis plans. We also provide grant review for proposals.听
We can also provide statistical services once your grant is funded and our statisticians can be listed as co-investigators or key personnel.
Data Management
We provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of data management. Our goal is to help you collect high-quality data that directly supports your research objectives and methods. Currently we support REDCap and Qualtrics. Please click on the Online Surveys tab to learn more.
Experimental Design
We assist in the effective collection of your data, designing the experiment to minimize bias and maximize efficiency and security. We aid with longitudinal or multi-arm design and randomization procedures and can give guidance regarding the most appropriate statistical methodology.
Data Analysis and Statistical Modeling
Our team consists of professional statisticians who are highly trained in modern statistical methods. We are available to meet with researchers to discuss your research data, experimental design, and research questions. We provide guidance on data analysis plans and appropriate statistical methodologies. Our team helps understand and interpret results and may provide recommendations for reporting your research findings responsibly and accurately.
For larger datasets or for analysis that are computationally intense, we will assist you in using the High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster. Our statisticians also often work with graduate students to plan dissertation analyses and review听 results sections to ensure听 accurate reporting.
Software Support
Our staff has expertise in several statistical software packages, including R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, JMP, Jamovi, Python, Matlab, and Mplus. We can answer your questions and provide support on the use of these programs. We also support Survey Software REDCap and Qualtrics (See 鈥極nline Surveys鈥� tab for more information), and provide some guidance in qualitative/mixed-methods transcription and analysis software such as NVivo.
To request assistance, please submit a ticket using bc.edu/researchhelp.
Online Surveys
Research Services supports Boston College faculty, students, and staff in designing, constructing and effectively utilizing online surveys for research. Online surveys offer a quick and cost-effective method of data collection. Surveys range from simple questionnaires to complex projects with built-in automation that streamlines logistics and reduces time and monetary costs. We offer guidance on survey design, sampling methods, distribution strategies, and data monitoring to support your research goals. We offer free REDCap and Qualtrics introductory tutorials each semester, including summer, and can develop group sessions upon request.
Data Management
Our staff assist with digitizing paper forms (such as Case Report Forms), designing data structures, implementing coding strategies tailored to your analysis needs and methods. By emphasizing effective data collection practices, we aim to minimize the need for extensive data cleaning and maximizing high-quality data collection. We provide consultation on data sharing and data transfer to ensure your research complies with privacy and regulatory standards in accordance with BC IRB/ORP.
Survey Security
Ensuring the integrity of your survey data is critical, especially when dealing with anonymous or incentivized responses. Being proactive is much easier than reacting to fraud after it occurs. Dynamic monitoring and notification features support real-time oversight during data collection, allowing issues to be identified and addressed early. Our team offers guidance on secure survey distribution, eligibility validation, and fraud prevention. Current best practices are implemented to reduce the risk of bot activity and other forms of online survey manipulation.
If you are conducting survey research at Boston College, it is important to make sure your specific online research complies with the policies of the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance and your funding agency. Research Services can assist with ensuring that your REDCap, Qualtrics, or other surveys comply with the necessary requirements.
To request assistance, please submit a ticket using bc.edu/researchhelp.