This could occur if the data analysis techniques required are more advanced than those covered in DMS 501 and DMS 601, or if a statistical package is not available within the student's department or SUN account. In these cases, a consultant may analyze the data or provide examples based on a few variables. The student is responsible for entering, proofreading, and editing the data. The consultant will describe how to enter the data in a format compatible with our system. The student should also provide a brief written description of the study and list of questions for the consultant.
Consultants try to provide their services within reasonable periods of time.
If a deadline must be met, it is the responsibility of the student to provide ample time for consultation and analysis of data. Rush jobs are simply not performed, since hurried, haphazard work reflects poorly on both the consultant and the student. Depending on the complexity of the project and the current workload, a student may have to wait for several weeks before receiving results. To provide fair distribution of services to more students, the consultant may limit the amount of support that is provided to a particular study. If a consultant has been involved in a study since its inception or was instrumental in obtaining or interpreting the results, he or she should have the opportunity to receive proper credit for the work.