ANALYSIS SERVICE
Statistical Consulting for Study Design
We work with researchers before data collection begins, specifying the study design, justifying the sample size, and writing the statistical analysis plan required for an IRB submission, committee review, or grant application.
No Commitment Required
Strictly Confidential
In-House PhD-Level Statisticians
Fixed Project Fee
Same-Day Response
Statistical consulting for study design is the process of defining how a study will be conducted and analyzed before data collection begins. It covers the research design, sample size justification, and outcome and variable definitions, along with the statistical analysis plan commonly required for an IRB submission, dissertation committee review, or grant application.
WHEN TO ENGAGE
When Should You Involve a Statistician?
Statistical input is most valuable before the protocol, sample size, measures, and analysis plan are fixed. The situations below are where early methodological decisions typically prevent avoidable revisions later.
01 · Before Proposal or Protocol ReviewA proposal defense, dissertation committee, or research team may need the study design, sample size, outcomes, and planned analyses clearly justified before the study proceeds.
02 · When the Sample Size Needs Justification The required sample should be justified by the study design, expected effect or precision, statistical power, allocation, and anticipated attrition, rather than convention alone.
03 · Before Designing a Survey or Measurement Plan Questionnaire structure, scale selection, scoring, and measurement timing determine what the eventual analysis can support and are difficult to change once data collection begins.
04 · Before an IRB or Grant Submission An IRB or grant submission may require a clear sample size rationale, defined outcomes, and an analysis plan that is fully consistent with the study protocol and proposed methodology.
05 · When Methodology Has Been Questioned Comments from a committee, IRB, or grant reviewer on the design, power, variables, or proposed analyses may require the statistical rationale to be revised and documented.
06 · Before Committing to Data Collection or a Dataset The planned variables, measurements, time points, sampling structure, or available secondary data should be capable of answering the research question before the design is fixed.
DELIVERABLES
What We Deliver Before Data Collection
We translate the agreed scope into written methodological deliverables that you can use in your protocol, proposal, IRB submission, or analysis plan. We confirm the required outputs with you before work begins.
Study Design Specification The study design, comparison structure, timing, outcomes, and key methodological decisions, documented with the rationale supporting each choice.
Sample Size & Power JustificationA documented calculation with stated assumptions, effect or precision targets, statistical power, allocation, and anticipated attrition where relevant.
Statistical Analysis PlanA structured plan specifying variables, descriptive analyses, primary and secondary methods, covariates, assumption checks, and planned sensitivity analyses.
Outcome & Variable DefinitionsPrimary and secondary outcomes, predictors, exposures, covariates, measurement points, and derived variables defined for collection and analysis.
Survey & Measurement PlanQuestionnaire structure, scale selection, scoring, response formats, measurement timing, and planned reliability or validity assessment where applicable.
IRB, Proposal & Grant Statistical SectionsStatistical and methodological content prepared for inclusion in an IRB submission, research proposal, dissertation methodology chapter, or grant application.
PLANNING & METHODS
Study Design and Statistical Planning
"The decisions made before data collection determine what the analysis can prove"
Our statistical consulting for study design covers the methodological decisions that determine how a study is structured, measured, powered, documented, and analyzed.
Explore All Statistical Methods1
Study Design & Protocol Development
We define the study design, comparison structure, timing, and methodology, including cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, longitudinal, experimental, and randomized designs.
2
Research Questions, Hypotheses & Outcomes
We align research questions and hypotheses with clearly defined primary and secondary outcomes, predictors, exposures, covariates, and planned comparisons.
3
Sample Size & Power
We determine and document the required sample using power or precision-based calculations, with assumptions, allocation ratios, and anticipated attrition where relevant.
4
Sampling, Recruitment & Randomization
We define the sampling strategy, recruitment targets, allocation, stratification, clustering, and randomization procedures appropriate to the proposed study design.
5
Survey, Measurement & Instrument Planning
We structure questionnaires and measurement plans, review scale selection and items, and define scoring, timing, and reliability or validity assessment where applicable.
6
Statistical Analysis Plan
We specify primary and secondary analyses, model structure, covariates, assumption checks, missing-data handling, and sensitivity analyses.
7
Data Collection, Structure & Secondary Data Planning
We define variables, coding, data dictionaries, and measurement points, or assess whether an existing dataset can adequately address the research question.
8
IRB, Grant, Registration & Research Standards
We prepare statistical content for IRB submissions and grant applications, including NIH methodological requirements, and support preregistration, data-sharing plans, and reporting standards such as CONSORT, STROBE, and PRISMA. Review and approval remain with your IRB.
Case Example
How We Work in Practice
A clinical research example showing how study design, sample size, and statistical planning are developed before IRB submission.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE · Clinical Research · UNITED STATES
A clinical research team was developing a prospective observational study and needed the protocol, sample size justification, and Statistical Analysis Plan finalized before IRB submission.
The study would measure change in a validated patient-reported outcome between baseline and 12 weeks. The protocol identified the general research aim, but the primary endpoint, required sample, missing-data approach, and planned statistical analysis had not yet been specified.
We defined the primary outcome as the within-patient change in score and used G*Power to calculate the required sample. Assuming a standardized paired effect of 0.40, 80% power, and α = .05, the analysis required 52 completed participants. The recruitment target was increased to 62 to allow for approximately 15% incomplete follow-up.
The Statistical Analysis Plan specified the primary paired analysis, an alternative if distributional assumptions were not met, secondary outcomes, variable coding, missing-data handling, and planned sensitivity analyses. The protocol structure was also reviewed against relevant STROBE reporting considerations.
Outcome: The research team received a 62-participant recruitment target, documented sample size justification, defined outcomes and variables, and a Statistical Analysis Plan ready for protocol finalization and IRB submission.
This example does not describe a real client or project. We never share details of actual client work, in line with the confidentiality we promise every researcher. This illustrative example is included to show the type, scope, and standard of work involved in this kind of analysis.
RELATED SERVICES & FIELDS
When Planning Becomes Analysis
Research Planning & Study Design helps you define the study design, outcomes, sample size, measurement strategy, data structure, and Statistical Analysis Plan before the main analysis begins.
If you have already finalized the study design and collected your data, our Quantitative Data Analysis service covers the next stage, including analysis, interpretation, and publication-ready reporting.
Research Disciplines
Different fields bring different study designs, measurement requirements, analytical conventions, and reporting standards. We provide statistical planning across academic, clinical, and professional research disciplines.
A Defined Process for Your Research
We review your project before any work begins, so the scope, timeline, deliverables, and fixed project fee are clear before you decide to proceed.
01
Share Your Project
Share your research aim and whatever materials are available at this stage. We will let you know if anything else is needed to assess the project.
02
Receive Your Assessment
A statistically trained Research Coordinator reviews your project and confirms the required work, timeline, deliverables, and fixed project price.
03
Work Completed
Once you approve the quote, an in-house statistician completes the agreed study design and planning work, managed through to delivery by your Coordinator.
Researcher Voice
What Researchers Say
“We needed statistical input before finalizing the study protocol, particularly around the sample size and planned analysis. OnlineSPSS reviewed the design, worked through the assumptions with us, and gave us a clear statistical rationale to incorporate into the protocol. The revised methodology was accepted without further statistical queries.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions About Study Design Consulting
What happens when I request an assessment, and how long does it take?
Assessment requests are normally reviewed the same day. You can submit your research question, current stage, and any available documents through the assessment form, with no account required. We then confirm the proposed scope, timeline, deliverables, and fixed project price by email. There is no obligation to proceed.
How does pricing work?
We provide one fixed project price after reviewing the study and confirming the work required. The price reflects the complexity of the project and the agreed deliverables. You receive the scope, timeline, and price together before deciding whether to proceed.
Can you work with an existing protocol or research proposal?
Yes. Existing protocols and proposals can be developed or revised where the statistical or methodological components still need clarification. This may include outcomes, variables, sample size justification, planned analyses, or responses to comments from a committee, IRB, or funding reviewer.
Can you help with IRB, grant, or Statistical Analysis Plan requirements?
Yes. We can prepare the statistical and methodological content required for protocols, IRB submissions, grant applications, and Statistical Analysis Plans. The scope may include study design rationale, sample size justification, outcome and variable definitions, and the proposed analytical approach.
I have already collected my data. Is it too late for this service?
Some design decisions become fixed once data collection is complete, including what was measured, when it was measured, and the available sample. If your dataset is ready and you need statistical analysis, interpretation, or reporting, Quantitative Data Analysis is usually the more appropriate service.
How do you protect my research data and confidentiality?
We handle research materials, project information, and client identity confidentially. Access is limited to those involved in your project, and an NDA is available on request. If you request an assessment and decide not to proceed, the materials submitted for review are deleted.
How does statistical consultancy fit with academic authorship?
Statistical consultancy is an established part of research practice. We provide the agreed statistical and methodological work, while responsibility for the research questions, scholarly decisions, discussion, conclusions, and intellectual authorship remains with the researcher (We do not claim authorship or ownership of your work) Where an institution or publication has disclosure requirements, the researcher determines how those requirements apply.
What happens if I need revisions after delivery?
If you receive comments from a supervisor, committee, IRB, reviewer, or research team after delivery, we can review them against the agreed scope and update the statistical or methodological work where appropriate. If the requested changes introduce new analyses, additional data, or work outside the original scope, we will assess the additional requirements and confirm any revised fee before proceeding.
Still have a question? Find more answers in our full FAQ.
NEXT STEP
Your Research. Analyzed. Interpreted.
Publication-Ready
Tell us where your study stands, and we will assess the statistical planning and methodological support needed before the next stage.
No Commitment Required
Strictly Confidential
Fixed Project Fee
In-House PhD-Level Statisticians
Same-Day Response
Serving Researchers Since 2014