Regardless of the level of statistical sophistication used in any given study, if the design and methodology of the study is found to be faulty, confidence in the data is compromised. Thus, developing an ironclad research design plan is a crucial initial step in the research process. The types of services offered in this domain include:

• Formulation of research questions and testable hypotheses
• Refinement of model construction
• Setting up the proper design, ranging from survey projects to correlation/predictive models, to experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• Sampling and assignment strategies for both nonexperimental and experimental designs