How the MSCC Works

The Methodological and Statistical Consulting Core (MSCC) provides consultative and collaborative methodological support to strengthen public health and health-related research. This page explains what to expect when working with the MSCC, how consultations and collaborations are structured, and how scope and expectations are determined.

What a Consultation Is (and Is Not)

A consultation with the MSCC focuses on methodological guidance, analytic planning, and interpretation. The goal is to help investigators design rigorous studies, make sound analytic decisions, and clearly communicate results.

Consultations typically involve:

• Discussion of research questions and study design
• Guidance on data management strategies and reproducible workflows
• Review of analytic plans or proposed methods
• Support for interpretation and reporting of analytic results

The MSCC operates primarily as a consultative resource rather than a full analytic service.

Scope of Support

Student-Led Projects

For student-led projects (e.g., dissertations, theses, practica), the MSCC emphasizes mentoring and methodological guidance. For these projects, the Core provides consultative support only and does not perform data cleaning, coding, or statistical analyses. Students are expected to work under the supervision of their faculty mentor. Coursework-related activities (e.g., class assignments or homework) are not eligible for consultation.

Faculty-Led or Externally Funded Projects

For faculty-led or externally funded projects (which may include student involvement), analytic or methodological work may be considered through formal collaboration, subject to prior agreement and available capacity. Scope, roles, and expectations are discussed during intake and the initial consultation.

The Consultation Process

Step 1: Submit a Request

Begin by completing the Pre-Consultation Intake Form, which asks about your project type, current stage, goals, and timelines. This information helps the MSCC determine whether the request is an appropriate fit and how best to support it.

Step 2: Initial Review

The Director reviews each request to assess scope and appropriateness, identify key methodological issues, and determine next steps. If substantial preliminary work is needed (e.g., IRB approval or data preparation), requestors may be asked to complete those steps before a consultation is scheduled.

Step 3: Initial Consultation (30–60 minutes)

The initial consultation typically includes discussion of:

• Project background and research questions
• Study design and analytic considerations
• Data structure and readiness
• Interpretation or reporting questions

Guidance and recommendations may be provided verbally and/or in writing.

Step 4: Follow-Up (as Needed)

Brief follow-up via meeting or email may occur to clarify recommendations or provide feedback on revised plans and interpretation, depending on project needs and scope.

Credit, Authorship, and Acknowledgment

Projects that result in publications, presentations, or grant submissions should follow the MSCC Publication, Authorship, and Acknowledgment Policy. Expectations regarding acknowledgment or authorship depend on the nature and extent of MSCC contributions and should be discussed early in the collaboration.

Learn more about Publication, Authorship, and Acknowledgment Policy→

Ready to Request a Consultation?

If you believe your project would benefit from methodological or statistical guidance, we encourage you to submit a request.

Request a Consultation → (Form in preparation)