Abstract #302250

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JSM 2003 Abstract #302250
Activity Number: 254
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2003 : 12:00 PM to 1:50 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistical Consulting
Abstract - #302250
Title: What Statistical Consultants Do: Results of a Survey
Author(s): Christina M. Gullion*+ and Nancy Berman
Companies: Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Address: 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR, 97227-1110,
Keywords: consulting
Abstract:

There is a substantial literature describing the work of statistical consultants, but few articles are based on empirical research about what statistical consultants actually do. This mail survey of the members of the ASA Section on Statistical Consulting is an attempt to address this knowledge gap. There were 485 responses from current members (about 35% of the membership), of whom 422 reported paid consulting work in the previous year. The survey obtained demographics, educational background (65% with doctorates), and experience (mean 13 yrs). Separate sections dealt with job activity in the salaried and self-employed consulting contexts. About 54% completed the salaried section only, 23% the self-employed section only, and 23%, both. Those working in both contexts were more likely to have a doctorate (84%), were older (49 yrs), and had more experience (16 yrs). Cluster analysis was used to define groups of consultants with distinct patterns of statistical practice. Survey sampling, data audit, protocol monitoring, and writing distinguish subgroups in both contexts. Cluster analyses of subject areas and work sites, budgeting, and other consulting-related activities are reported.

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