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Statistical Methods
Westat is world-renown for advanced, creative statistical methods that fuel solutions to client challenges. Our deep understanding of survey statistics, analysis and modeling, data harmonization and data linkage, and data privacy guarantees delivery of trusted data to inform smart decisions.
Overview
Westat is a leader in the field of statistical methods bringing innovation and creativity, along with robust methods and research, to meet the challenging needs of our clients. All along the data pipeline, from data acquisition/data collection, to data preparation, to data analysis, to data dissemination, Westat statisticians bring their expertise to ensure quality and rigor at each stage, supporting transparency and reproducibility of solutions and results. A key focus is to work collaboratively with clients to come up with the best solution to meet the needs of today and build for tomorrow. Highlighted areas of expertise include survey statistics, analysis and modeling, data harmonization and data linkage, and data privacy.
Our Expertise
Analysis and Modeling
Gaining knowledge and insights are the goals of analysis and modeling. Westat statisticians are well-versed in a variety of analytic and modeling techniques, ranging from simple linear regression to complex multivariate linear and log-linear models, hierarchical Bayesian models, to propensity and predictive models, casual inference, and multilevel modeling and small area estimation. These techniques are often used in conjunction with statistical data integration or simulation methods. Modeling techniques can be applied to a multitude of data types, such as probability or non-probability based samples, administrative records, observational or design-based data. Westat works in collaboration with clients to support transparency and reproducibility of analytic results, providing documentation and annotated programs of the applied methodology.
Data Harmonization and Data Linkage
Bringing together data from disparate sources can help answer complex questions or solve complicated problems. Data harmonization is frequently needed to unify disparate data fields, formats, or dimensions. Using statistical methods for data harmonization, such as standardization and imputation, allows greater data utility. Data linkage methods are used to connect records or units across the different sources. Westat brings a depth of knowledge and experience in these areas to support client analyses, research, and evidenced-based decisions.
Data Privacy
Westat is a highly respected and trusted industry leader in statistical confidentiality and privacy protection. Our statisticians apply a variety of rigorous methods to quantify the risk of disclosure (using statistical models and record linkage), develop data treatments for risk mitigation (including consideration for a formal privacy framework), and to provide creative data access solutions (such as a flexible table generator). To ensure confidentiality and privacy protection of respondent data, Westat works collaboratively with our clients to balance the risk of disclosure with the usefulness of the final data products.
Survey Statistics
Since our inception in 1963, Westat has been world-renowned for expertise in survey statistics. We bring innovative statistical approaches throughout the entire process, from frame creation, to complex sample designs and sample selection, data collection and extraction, data preparation and cleaning, imputation, weighting, nonresponse bias analyses, estimation and variance estimation, to data access and dissemination. Westat statisticians are adept at applying these methods to traditional populations of interest, such as people, households, or businesses, as well as novel populations, such as a corpus of publications, electronic health records (EHRs), or road segments. The purpose is to design high-quality, cost-effective, representative data products for research, analyses, and decisionmaking.
Experts
Meet the Team
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Jeri Mulrow
Vice President & Sector Lead, Data Solutions
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Andreea Erciulescu
Associate Vice President
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David Cantor
Vice President
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Dwight Brock
Principal Statistical Associate
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J. Michael Brick
Senior Vice President, Statistical Sciences & Research; Statistical Fellows Committee Co-Chair
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Jean Opsomer
Vice President & Acting Director, Statistics & Data Science; Statistical Fellows Committee Co-Chair
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Jill DeMatteis
Vice President
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Keith Rust
Vice Chair & Senior Vice President
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Robert Fay
Senior Scientist
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Tom Krenzke
Vice President
Projects
Keep Reading
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Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
How can disparities in maternal health outcomes be addressed? -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How can we monitor and learn trends about Lyme disease? -
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
How does TOPMed improve scientific understanding?
Insights
Deep Dive with Our Experts
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Expert Interview
Leading with Diverse Ideas: Edwards Shares Vision for JSSAMApril 2024
With 4 decades of designing and managing large, complex surveys, Westat’s Brad Edwards has decided to add another leadership position to his resume by becoming one…
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Expert Interview
Leveraging WIC EBT Data for In-Depth Program AnalysisApril 2024
Since its founding 50 years ago, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been a critically needed source of food…
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Journal Article
Opioid prescription and diabetes among Medicare beneficiariesPublished In
196,Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
January 2023
S.S. Casagrande, A.Z. Beccera, Keith Rust, C.C. Cowie
DOILink for: Opioid prescription and diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries