Statistical Analysis Methodology

q&a

Modeling the Future of COVID-19: Q&A with RAND Experts

The phrase “flatten the curve” familiarized Americans with epidemiological models used to estimate virus transmission, cases, and potential deaths from COVID-19. But new models are needed as the country enters a different stage of the crisis.

commentary

Don't Make the Pandemic Worse with Poor Data Analysis

The need for immediate answers in the face of severe public health and economic distress may create a temptation to relax statistical standards. But urgency should not preclude expert analysis and honest assessments of uncertainty. Mistaken assumptions could lead to counterproductive actions.

Matthew D. Baird, David G. Groves, et al.

commentary

Funders Using Bibliometrics Should Keep It Simple

Avoiding information overload is crucial for research grant decisions. The right guidance and training to panel members can help them make the most of bibliometrics as an evaluation tool to assist their decisions on research funding.

Salil Gunashekar, Susan Guthrie

blog

The Art of Data in Baseball

The traditional baseball scout's keen eye is no longer deemed sufficient to rate talent, said Jeff Luhnow, general manager of the Houston Astros, at RAND's Politics Aside event. Analysts check curveball spin rates, computer-modeled swing mechanics, and even sleep habits.

commentary

Who's Funding Mental Health Research Worldwide?

The size and diversity of mental health research is significant, but it remains a loosely defined field in which funders tend not to spell out what counts as mental health. An outline of the current state of mental health research funding worldwide helps to address the huge challenges of mental illness.

Steven Wooding, Alexandra Pollitt

commentary

Taking an Interest: What Makes Someone Respond to a Survey

Researchers have two main reasons for caring about non-response. First, it is important to ensure that survey findings are unbiased and representative, and second, concern about survey non-response is a key reason given by those who ignore or chose not to act on the findings of research.

Catherine L. Saunders

commentary

How to Help Surveys Have More Impact

How can researchers and the users of survey research move from a knee-jerk dismissal of survey findings to being comfortable trusting and acting on the findings? Likely ways forward include emphasizing the methodology, triangulating the evidence, acknowledging the limitations, and developing good communication and trust between parties.

Catherine L. Saunders

commentary

Sensitivity Analyses: Shedding Unexpected Light on Results

Sensitivity analysis lets researchers test and explore some of the assumptions that underlie their findings. These might be assumptions about a relationship, data that's been excluded, or which part of an analysis is most important.

Catherine L. Saunders

announcement

Paddock Named Fellow of the American Statistical Association

The American Statistical Association named Susan Paddock as a 2013 ASA Fellow. She was honored for excellence in statistical applications to public policy research, for integrating innovative statistical methodology with substantive problems of national healthcare policy, and for noteworthy service to the profession.

blog

Examining the Presidential Election With a Different Kind of Poll

With the United States presidential election set to dominate headlines over the next 12 weeks, RAND is introducing a new way of polling to forecast the outcome on election day.