Statistical Consulting

"Statistical Consulting" provides the reader with a detailed overview of the knowledge and communication skills that a statistician needs to be an effective consultant. The reference to "reader" is intentional since the aim of this book is to clearly illustrate what the consultant needs to know from the client--and why For clients who need to seek the help of a statistical consultant, this book explains, in plain language, what is involved in the consulting process. This book is primarily written for the student or statistician who is interested in becoming involved in consulting activities. Different types of statistical consulting environments are discussed, followed by a detailed description of the communication skills that a statistician needs to develop to be an effective consultant. In describing the statistical methodology that a consultant can employ, the importance of engaging the client's understanding of the purpose and interpretation of a statistical procedure is emphasized. It is assumed that the reader has the necessary technical skills to apply the statistical methods used in this book. Part I of the book concludes with a consultation project reproduced in its entirety. A wide range of case studies of varying complexity are presented in Part II of the book that will help the reader understand and appreciate the diversity of projects that can arise in statistical consulting. The appendices provide valuable information on resources, details on the SAS and S-PLUS software packages, and a collection of useful reference tables. This book would also be a suitable text for a graduate course on statistical consulting and a course outline is provided for the instructor in Appendix A.