The process for seeking statistical help can vary depending on the specific needs of the individual or organization seeking assistance and the type of help they are looking for. In general, the process may involve the following steps:

1. Identify the problem or question that needs to be addressed: Before seeking statistical help, it’s important to clearly define the problem or question that needs to be addressed. This will help the statistician understand the scope of the project and determine the appropriate approach to take.

2. Find a statistician: There are many ways to find a statistician, including searching online directories, contacting professional organizations, or asking for recommendations from colleagues or peers. It’s important to choose a statistician who has the necessary expertise and experience to handle the specific problem or question at hand.

3. Discuss the project and agree on terms: Once you have found a statistician, it’s important to have an initial conversation to discuss the project in detail and agree on the terms of the engagement. This may include the scope of the project, the timeline for completion, and the fees for the services.

4. Collect and analyze the data: The statistician will work with you to collect and analyze the data needed to address the problem or question at hand. This may involve developing and implementing statistical models, running analyses, and interpreting the results.

5. Communicate the results: The statistician will help you to understand and interpret the results of the analysis and will provide recommendations based on the findings. They may also help you to communicate the results to others through the use of tables, charts, graphs, or written reports.

Follow-up: Depending on the specific needs of the project, the statistician may provide additional support or guidance as needed, including follow-up analysis or consultation.

How to describe the problem to get professional statistical help?

To get the most benefit from professional statistical help, it’s important to clearly and accurately describe the problem or question that needs to be addressed. Here are a few tips for describing the problem effectively:

1. Be specific: Clearly define the problem or question you need help with, including any relevant details or context.

2. Describe the data: Provide a brief overview of the data you have available and any relevant characteristics, such as the size of the sample, the type of variables, and the level of measurement.

3. Explain your goals: Clearly articulate what you hope to accomplish with the statistical analysis, such as testing a hypothesis or making a prediction.

4. Provide any additional information: If there are any additional details or constraints that may be relevant to the project, such as time or resource limitations, be sure to mention them.

By clearly and accurately describing the problem or question you need help with, you will enable the statistician to better understand your needs and provide the most appropriate assistance.

Can statistical consultations may be free? e.g. before the projects starts?

It’s possible that some statistical consultations may be free, particularly if they are brief and focused on providing general information or guidance. However, it’s important to note that statistical consulting can be a specialized and time-consuming process, and statisticians may need to devote a significant amount of time and effort to a project in order to provide the level of assistance that is needed. As a result, it’s generally not feasible for statisticians to provide extensive consultations for free on a regular basis.

If you are seeking more in-depth statistical consulting or assistance with a specific project, it’s generally a good idea to expect to pay for these services. However, it’s common for statisticians to offer an initial consultation to discuss the project and determine the scope of the work required. This initial consultation may be provided at no cost, or for a reduced fee, as a way to assess the needs of the project and determine the best approach to take.

It’s always a good idea to discuss the terms of the engagement and any fees upfront with the statistician before beginning a project. This will help ensure that both parties are clear on the expectations and the terms of the arrangement.