Statistical consulting
Target Group
Members of the STEM faculties (natural sciences, engineering and mathematics) of the Ruhr-University Bochum:
- scientists
- students in the Bachelor and Master programs
- PhD students
General Information
Scientific work is often based on observations or measurements. Since these data are usually subject to random effects (e.g. due to measurement errors, or the limited sample size) their evaluation requires statistical methods.
The Chair of Statistics offers free, qualified statistical consulting to university-internal persons from the above-mentioned faculties as part of the special services for service-receiving faculties. Of course, research cooperations with the aim of joint publications are also possible for scientifically particularly interesting projects as well as projects of relevant size with partners from the industry. Ideally, the consulting or cooperation starts with the planning of the experiment and continues, as needed, with the selection of the right evaluation methods up to the correct evaluation and interpretation of the experimental results.
Possible levels of consultation:
- Simple consultation as part of the Statistical Consulting course
- Step-by-step guidance for independent project planning, implementation and documentation of an empirical study in the course Statistical Consulting
- Commission for an expert opinion.
- Jointly supervised thesis or dissertation.
- Joint research project.
Planning of the experiment
Early consultation during the planning of the experiment or before the data are collected is highly recommended. Once the data has been collected, it is almost impossible to compensate for errors resulting from the experimental design. No meaningful conclusions can be drawn from inadequately collected data. A timely discussion also helps to be economical with your resources. Efficient experimental design often allows for a significant reduction in the amount of data to be collected and more meaningful results.
Data analysis
There are a wide variety of ways to collect data, and depending on the situation, very different methods are required for analysis. These can quickly go beyond simple standard methods. In a consultation, we can help you choose the right method for evaluating your data and thus ensure that the data is evaluated correctly.
Consultation procedure for members of the RUB
In an initial consultation, we will work with you to determine the extent to which statistical consulting is necessary. Ideally, you should already give us a brief description of your problem when you contact us (by phone or e-mail). This helps us to narrow down the problem in advance and to present you with possible solutions already in the first meeting. The scope of the consultation can range from this first consultation to a joint research project. The statistical consulting for members of the Ruhr-University Bochum is free of charge.
Consultation procedure for interested external parties
If you are interested in research cooperation with the aim of joint publications or projects of relevant size with partners from the industry , a first meeting takes place, in which we can narrow down the statistical problem with you and possibly already give first hints for its solution. This first meeting is free of charge. During the conversation we determine the further procedure together. Services that go beyond the first meeting are subject to a fee. Therefore, based on the initial conversation, an offer will be made and the further course and scope of the cooperation will be agreed upon.
Examples of internal and external projects in recent years
- Investigation of the ability of Cyrtodactylus philippinicus (a gecko species) to orient itself using the earth's magnetic field.
- Statistical evaluation on the resilience of gears.
- Investigation of the survival times of Parkinson's model mice.
- Development of statistical methods for the state-dependent control of an electric motor.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Nicolai Bissantz
e-mail: lehreservice-angewandte-statistik (auf rub.de)
Link for statistical consulting
