Westat's statistical capabilities are the foundation of many of our research projects. Our statistical staff includes internationally recognized authorities in research methodology, sample design, and estimation. Several staff members are Fellows of the American Statistical Association and members of the International Statistical Institute. They are active in the statistics profession: holding offices in professional associations, serving on national and international statistical committees, serving as editors and referees for statistical journals, publishing papers, teaching courses, and making presentations at conferences. They have made important technical contributions to the effective use of statistical methods, including advances in area probability sampling, random digit dialing (RDD) for telephone surveys, weighting, data imputation, automated variance estimation, and the production of small-area estimates. Our statisticians work closely with project teams in applying customized, optimally efficient sampling, weighting, and estimation procedures to diverse research projects. Westat has a number of national master samples, optimally designed for major national surveys. Our statisticians also use many other databases to select the most efficient samples for surveys of special populations.
Effective questionnaires are the result when a multidisciplinary team of Westat social science researchers apply their expertise to design a research study. Program area specialists work with clients and outside consultants to translate study goals into specific data items. Questionnaire specialists use their experience to design data collection instruments and procedures that interviewers can use with survey respondents. A computer-assisted interview requires the expertise of our application programmers. Managing this team to satisfy schedule and budget constraints and to ensure adequate quality testing is the responsibility of one of our experienced project directors.
As Government agencies and private sector organizations become more concerned about the effectiveness of their programs and policies, program evaluations involving process and outcome analyses are becoming an integral part of program management. To address these needs, Westat's social scientists apply their expertise in agency-specific programmatic areas and their technical skills in research design, mathematical modeling, and statistical analysis. Westat develops outcome measures and appropriate baselines, examines program processes in relation to outcomes, and develops models to isolate program effects from exogenous factors. We often combine qualitative and quantitative methods with data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive picture of a program and its processes and outcomes. Our diverse experience includes evaluations of compensatory education programs; U.S. Army advertising; federally sponsored employment and training initiatives; supportive housing programs; substance abuse prevention and treatment; and many social service programs targeted to women, children, and families.
Westat offers full-service Phase I to IV clinical trials management by a staff of professionals with expertise in statistical design, protocol development, selection and management of clinical sites, case report form development, computer database development and management, remote data capture, site monitoring, quality control, adverse event reporting, and the statistical analysis and presentation of clinical trial data. We prepare regulatory documentation required by the Food and Drug Administration (INDs, safety reports, and annual reports), maintain an institutional review board to ensure compliance with Federal regulations, and participate in data safety monitoring boards. Adherence to protocols is maximized by our protocol-specific training sessions, standard operating procedures, and use of the Oracle Clinical™ data management system.
Qualitative studies form the basis for the evaluation of many government programs or particular components of these programs. Qualitative studies use methods including in-depth interviewing, semi-structural observation, and focus groups, singly or in combination, depending on the needs of the particular study. For example, to conduct a qualitative analysis of personnel processes within an organization, Westat, through in-person and videoconferencing focus groups, assesses the efficiency of processes as well as the accessibility of personnel data to users.
Westat has designed and conducted hundreds of focus groups to collect data in program evaluations, refine questionnaires, and develop messages for public information campaigns. These semi-structured interviews typically involve 8 to 10 participants, who are selected for their knowledge of the topics under investigation or their importance as a target group. Our experienced staff of moderators conducts focus groups in our in-house facility (which includes built-in microphones, a monitoring room with a one-way mirror, and audiovisual equipment for monitoring and recording sessions) and at facilities throughout the United States.
Westat analysts are thoroughly versed in the analysis of data for many different subject areas from many types of research designs. We develop mathematical models to predict the answers to "what if" questions and use econometric methods to simulate or forecast changes in program outcomes. Westat analysts use biostatistical methods to assess the effectiveness and safety of experimental therapies. Drawing on this extensive experience with analysis and presentation methods, our analysts are able to use descriptive and graphical summaries to present study results in a concise and effective manner. Westat develops and distributes WesVar, a powerful software tool for the statistical analysis of data from complex surveys that calculates variances for a wide range of sample designs. We can also apply a variety of multivariate inferential techniques—including linear, logistic, and random effects regression modeling; hierarchical linear modeling; generalized estimating equations; factor analyses; multidimensional scaling; and cluster analyses.
Westat has extensive capabilities to prepare and deliver research publications in diverse media. We take traditional design and print services and adapt them to the Internet and other multimedia forums, such as CD-ROM, web, or desktop delivery. We provide computer graphics, electronic publishing, on-line/web design, broadcast (audio and video) production, and multimedia development for CD-ROM and web dissemination, along with a complete range of web site hosting services.
Westat organizes conferences to disseminate research and apply research to public policy as well as to examine study design issues and develop analytic strategies. Westat provides full conference planning and support services, including logistical and administrative arrangements, media and other key audience outreach, audiovisual and computer presentation capabilities, and the editing and publication of research proceedings.
