The purpose of this page is to answer the questions we are most frequently asked, however if you have any other questions you are welcome to contact us directly.

1. How do you advise on what research methodology to use?
2. How do you help me develop appropriate questions?
3. How do you help me simplify my questionnaire and the number of questions used?
4. How do you advise on and test the reliability of my questionnaire?
5. How do you select the appropriate statistical test for me?
6. What statistical tests do you offer?
7. How do you present the data?
8. How long does it take?
9. How much will cost?

 

1. How do you advise on what research methodology to use?
This will vary considerably from client to client. Therefore, we will need (A) to know what the client’s research is about, (B) to be sent any research questions / hypothesis (if available) and (C) know how they plan to collect their data – i.e. primary or secondary data.

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2. How do you help me develop appropriate questions?
The client needs to put together what they think are the appropriate questions they need to ask. We can then ensure that the questions are worded in such a way that they are understandable, do not mislead or lead the respondent in particular ways.

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3. How do you help me simplify my questionnaire and the number of questions used?
We can do two things: (A) conduct a focus group to test that the questions make sense and are clear; (B) perform a statistical test, such as factor analysis, to reduce the number of questions. In either case, the client needs to send us the questionnaire and if possible, the research questions / hypotheses.

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4. How do you advise on and test the reliability of my questionnaire?
We can help the client perform a pilot study to test the construct validity and internal reliability of the questionnaire using tests such as Cronbach’s alpha, factor analysis, as well as other techniques. The client needs to send us the questionnaire and if possible, the research questions / hypotheses.

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5. How do you select the appropriate statistical test for me?
This will vary depending on what stage of the dissertation the client wants our help: (A) If the client has not yet collected their data, but wants to know the best method to do so, then we need to know the research question / hypothesis and what access they have to primary research; (B) If the client has already collected their data and they need to know what test to run to analyse the data, they must send in their raw data (including any questionnaire(s), if applicable) and research question / hypothesis.

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6. What statistical tests do you offer?
The list is extensive, including both parametric and non-parametric tests, and descriptive and inferential statistics. An example of tests is listed below although we can offer pretty much ANY test. At least, any test that a student at this level would ask for. Please just forward the client's request.

• Measures of central tendency (i.e. mean, mode, median).
• Measures of spread (e.g. variance, standard deviation, range).
• Frequencies (e.g. numbers and percentages).
• The shape of a distribution.
• Tests of assumptions (e.g. normality).
• Chi-square
• McNemar
• Conchran Q
• Kolmogorov-Smirnov
• Mann-Whitney U
• Kruskal-Wallis H
• Wilcoxon
• Friedman
• Levene's test
• t-test.
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA).
• Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
• Regression analysis.
• Factor analysis.
• Multidimensional scaling (MDS).
• Cluster analysis.
• Discriminant function analysis.

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7. How do you present the data?
The work will be presented in MS Word. The graphical components, such as tables, graphs, plots, histograms, dendograms, etc… will be inserted into MS Word directly from the statistical package. If the client requires a more “graphically pleasing” output, for example, graphs produced in MS Excel, we can, where possible, do this for an additional charge. The graphical output will vary according to the type of statistical test that is run. As such, we will provide the output that is the most appropriate. Alongside the data, written commentary will be provided.

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8. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Clients should be advised that the process typically takes ONE WEEK although can be performed more quickly for an extra charge. However, between you and us, pretty much any piece of work CAN be done within 24 hours.

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9. HOW MUCH WILL COST?
Prices will vary depending on the size and complexity of your requirements but the cost starts from £100, increasing when more complex statistical testing is involved.

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