What is SCARL?
SCARL offers assistance in the statistical formulation of research questions, in the design of experiments and survey samples, in the choice and explanation of statistical methodology, in statistical computing and graphics, in statistical analysis, and in the interpretation of findings. Ancillary areas include assisting in the preparation of grant proposals and organizing presentations and short courses. The level of assistance SCARL provides is matched to clients' needs, and ranges from brief discussion and advice to in-depth collaborative research.
Through such activities, SCARL assists in the training of graduate students in the Department of Statistics and in the professional development of its faculty. SCARL works in conjunction with graduate courses in statistical consulting and facilitates the training of students in this skill. In addition, graduate students are involved as research assistants at all levels of specific projects, from meeting with clients to analyzing their data and producing final reports. Some SCARL projects develop into thesis research topics for graduate students in Statistics. Faculty members are involved with SCARL and both methodological and applied publications have resulted from this involvement. Staff, faculty and graduate students meet weekly to review and discuss current and future projects.
SCARL plays a role in continuing education on and off the UBC campus, giving seminars and workshops on statistical concepts and methodology to various departments and research groups and at teaching hospitals. These presentations on topics of interest to particular groups provide an effective means of introducing the scope of services and expertise provided by SCARL, as well as enhancing awareness of the principles of good study design and available statistical methodology and software, including recent advances.
