The CYFS Statistics and Research Methodology (SRM) Unit is designed to enhance the research capacity of social, behavioral, and educational scientists at UNL and create an infrastructure for excellence in the proliferation and utilization of cutting-edge statistical and methodological techniques. The Unit provides support to CYFS Faculty Affiliates in the conceptualization of research designs and methodology and the selection and execution of data analyses. Unit personnel are experienced statisticians who specialize in experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational design methodology; measurement; and cross-sectional, longitudinal, and correlational data analytic approaches. As part of their consultation services, Unit staff members provide investigators with assistance in statistics and research design, instrument development and validation, data analysis, and follow-up support for data interpretation and synthesis. The key objective is to provide data analytic resources and collaborative services to investigators that will enhance the validity, rigor, and impact of their research.

The CYFS SRM Unit is also generative in its own right through the development and refinement of design and analysis techniques and tools of value to ecologically-based scientists. Collaboration across senior research personnel, post-doctoral candidates, and graduate students creates an environment that synergistically and dynamically enhances the skills and knowledge base of CYFS researchers.

To meet the broad objective of enhancing the quality of the scientific research conducted by CYFS faculty affiliates, SRM is dedicated to achieving objectives concerning service, education and training, and research:

1. Provide high quality research design and data analysis services.
A major specific objective of this Unit is to provide research design and data analysis expertise. These services are crucial for ensuring that CYFS researchers are maximally productive and that their research meets the highest scientific standards. SRM Unit personnel work with researchers at various stages of the scientific process, from the initial proposal stage through project implementation, final report and publication. SRM staff are actively involved in helping investigators conduct power and sample size analyses, control for potential confounds, improve the precision of measurement instruments, refine data collection protocols, treat missing data, and identify and adapt appropriate data analytic techniques for research questions posed. Depending upon investigators’ needs and preferences, support can vary along a continuum from consultation to active collaboration on a project.

2. Provide educational opportunities that enhance investigators' analytic research skills.
The SRM Unit provides numerous opportunities for CYFS investigators to learn about new developments in analytic techniques. In recent years, advances in computing technology have led to many new and enhanced statistical techniques and procedures. SRM provides opportunities to learn a variety of relevant analytic techniques by sponsoring meetings and workshops featuring experts in quantitative analysis. In addition, the Unit offers seminars and brown-bag meetings that are led by SRM personnel, faculty statisticians, and invited quantitative scholars.

3. Contribute to the advancement of knowledge about analytic techniques.
Although the CYFS investigators’ projects are designed to address key questions in the field, many projects present methodological and statistical challenges that do not have clear solutions, particularly as they relate to ecological and contextual variables that impact the conduct of experimental research. These challenges present opportunities for SRM personnel to develop new analytic methods for the educational, behavioral, and social sciences. By exploring and/or adapting statistical techniques to answer the investigators’ research questions, SRM personnel contribute to the methodological and statistical literatures. This activity is very important for advancing science and for furthering the recognition of SRM Unit personnel and their collective expertise.

4. Provide data management services.
Data collection, coding, and storage activities are often labor and time intensive. The SRM unit can bolster research productivity by providing (a) seamless integration of PDA, web, and scannable paper-and-pencil based data collection; (b) ongoing data cleaning and accuracy testing; (c) secure and web-accessible data storage; and (d) data formatting (e.g., converting data to proprietary file types such as MS Excel, MS Access, SPSS, and SAS; recoding data; and/or parsing or combining data files). Data management services range from assisting researchers in ensuring the security and cleanliness of data to actively managing large-scale datasets.