RESEARCH & DATA

Research design & analysis planning

Connect your research question, measurements and proposed analysis before collecting data. Review a quantitative design or refine an analysis plan in response to feedback.

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When this helps

Researchers preparing a proposal, planning data collection or responding to methodological feedback. This support is useful when the research aims, sampling approach, questionnaire and planned tests do not yet fit together.

THE DETAIL THAT MATTERS

The analysis plan belongs in the design.

A dataset cannot answer a question the study did not measure. We review the link between objectives, variables and planned comparisons before collection, and identify limitations that the analysis will need to acknowledge.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE / QUESTION → METHOD

Workload and stress in a staff survey.

Question: Are higher workload scores associated with higher stress scores?
Design: Both scores were measured once in the same respondents.
Method: Consider correlation or a regression model after reviewing the scales, distributions and relevant assumptions.
Limit: An association would not establish that workload caused stress. Timing, sampling and other influences matter.

What the work involves

Review alignment between aims, research questions, variables and proposed analyses.
Discuss the implications of cross-sectional, longitudinal or other study structures.
Review questionnaire wording, response options and analysis implications.
Identify sampling, measurement and feasibility concerns that need attention.
Develop a rationale for method selection and record unresolved questions for your supervisor.

What you receive

Deliverables are agreed in your quote.

A research-question and variable map.
An analysis plan with method-selection rationale.
Instrument feedback and a prioritised risk or gap checklist.

We work with structured planning documents; SPSS or R requirements considered where relevant. We choose the tools and file formats around your project.

What to prepare for an enquiry

Share your research question, stage, data type and deadline. No test selection is needed.

Please leave out sensitive records. File sharing is agreed after the initial review.

QUESTIONS

Questions about this service

Can you review my proposed methodology?

Yes. We can review the connection between your questions, measurements and planned analysis. You use the feedback in your own writing and discuss the proposal with your supervisor.

Can you advise on sample size?

Where within the agreed scope, we can discuss a calculation based on the design, effect assumptions and required precision. There is no universally correct sample size.

Can planning help after collection?

Yes, but some design and measurement limitations cannot be repaired retrospectively. We distinguish feasible analysis changes from limitations that must be acknowledged.

NEXT STEP

Discuss this research need.

We’ll review your brief and confirm the scope and fee.