Services

Research design
support before you collect your data

Get the methodology right from the outset — sample size calculation, statistical methodology planning, data organisation, and questionnaire design and validation. For Honours, HDR, and clinical researchers across Australia.

Sample size · Power analysis
Before data collection
Australia-wide · 100% online
The service

What research design support includes

Good research starts before any data is collected. We help you plan a study that can actually answer its own questions — so time and effort spent collecting data is never wasted.

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Sample design & size calculation

We work out the right sampling strategy for your study: how to select participants, how many you need, and how to approach data collection in a way that satisfies your research requirements, ethics committee, and supervisor.

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Statistical methodology planning

We help you define the statistical approach for your study in a clear, technically sound way — covering the rationale for your methods, the analytical plan, and how to document it for ethics or proposal purposes.

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Data organisation guidance

We advise on how to structure and organise your data from the outset, reducing errors and making the analysis process significantly smoother when the time comes.

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Questionnaire design & validation

We help design well-structured questionnaires and carry out statistical validation of scales and measurement instruments — including Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity.

How it works

Steps of the research design process

1

Initial consultation

We discuss your research aims, design, timeline, and target population in detail.

2

Methodology proposal

We advise on the statistical approach, sampling strategy, and sample size — so you have a clear, well-founded methodology before data collection begins.

3

Methodology guidance

We advise on how to document your statistical approach for ethics applications, research proposals, and study protocols — clearly and in a way that will withstand scrutiny.

4

Ongoing support

We remain available for follow-up questions as you move into data collection — with no time limit and no extra charge.

Why this matters

Why getting methodology right before data collection matters

Research design decisions made before data collection determine whether your study can answer its own questions. An underpowered sample, a poorly validated questionnaire, or an inappropriate sampling strategy cannot be fixed after the data is collected — they must be planned correctly from the start.

Whether you are preparing an ethics submission, writing a research proposal, or about to begin participant recruitment, this is the right point to seek statistical input.

When research design support is right for you

→ You are preparing an ethics application or research proposal and need a documented statistical methodology section
→ You need a formal sample size calculation with power analysis for your study
→ You are designing a survey or questionnaire and need to ensure it will produce valid, analysable data
→ You are planning a clinical study, RCT, or observational study and need a statistically sound design
Who we support

Research design support for researchers at every stage

The earlier in the research process you engage with a statistician, the more we can help.

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Honours Students

Sample size calculation, methodology guidance, and questionnaire design for undergraduate Honours projects — before data collection begins.

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HDR Candidates (Masters & PhD)

Full methodology planning including study design, sampling strategy, power analysis, and statistical approach documentation for ethics and proposal submissions.

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Postdocs & Early-Career Researchers

Research design support for grant applications (ARC, NHMRC) and manuscript-linked studies — meeting the methodological rigour expected by funding bodies and peer-reviewed journals.

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Clinical Researchers

Statistically sound design for clinical studies, RCTs, observational studies, and service audits — including sample size justification for ethics committee submissions.

Disciplines

We work across your discipline

We specialise in health and applied sciences, with deep experience across a wide range of research disciplines:

MedicineNursingPhysiotherapyPublic HealthEpidemiologyPsychologyPharmacyNutrition & DieteticsDentistryOccupational TherapySpeech PathologyMidwiferyBiomedical ScienceHealth Services ResearchEducationSocial WorkBiologyAnd more
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Have a question not covered here? Get in touch directly.

Send us a message →
Do you write my thesis or scientific work for me?
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Absolutely not. We are biostatistical consultants — not ghostwriters. The intellectual content, scientific reasoning, and writing of your thesis are entirely your own. What we provide is expert guidance on statistical methodology and analysis. Your supervisor must be aware that you are using the service.
Do I need to acknowledge your involvement in my thesis?
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Yes — and we require it as a condition of working with us. Any consulting we provide must be acknowledged in your thesis, dissertation, or research project, typically in the Acknowledgements section. We will guide you on appropriate acknowledgement wording when the time comes.
Do you support postdocs and clinical researchers, not just students?
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Yes. We work with postdoctoral researchers, early-career academics, and clinical researchers at all career stages across Australia. Whether you are preparing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal, developing the statistical sections of an ARC or NHMRC grant application, or analysing data from a clinical project, we provide the same collaborative, rigorous service.
How does the consulting process work?
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We start with an initial meeting to understand your research aims and data. We then work through the analyses together, prepare a detailed technical report, and walk you through the findings in a dedicated session — so you leave with a solid grasp of the methodology and results. Ongoing support by email about the delivered material is included at no extra cost.
How long does it take?
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It depends on the complexity of your analyses and how well-organised your data is. Get in touch with the details of your project and we will give you a realistic timeframe along with a quote.
Which disciplines do you work with?
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We specialise in health and applied sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Epidemiology, Psychology, Pharmacy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Midwifery, Biomedical Science, and more. If your discipline is not listed, get in touch — we most likely cover it.
How much does biostatistical consulting cost in Australia?
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Pricing is tailored to each project based on the type of analysis, volume of data, and level of support required. We provide a free, no-obligation quote after an initial discussion — there are no hidden fees, and the quote you receive covers the full scope agreed upon.
Can I use this service even if my university has its own statistical consulting centre?
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Yes. LM Statistics is a private, independent consulting service — there are no affiliation requirements. You can engage us regardless of which Australian university you attend or which institution you are affiliated with. Many researchers use external consulting precisely because university centres have waiting lists, restricted access policies, or limited availability.
I am an international student studying in Australia. Can I use this service?
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Yes. We work with all researchers studying or working at Australian institutions, regardless of nationality or visa status. The service is 100% online, so your location within Australia is also not a constraint.
Is it too late to get research design support if I've already started collecting data?
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Research design support is most valuable before data collection begins. If collection is already underway, we can still review your approach and advise on whether your planned analyses will work with your current design — but some limitations may not be correctable. Get in touch and we will give you an honest assessment.
What does a sample size calculation involve?
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We review your research questions, study design, expected effect size, and acceptable error rates — and calculate the minimum sample size needed for your study to have adequate statistical power. We provide this as a written document you can include in your ethics application or research proposal.
Can you validate a questionnaire I have already designed?
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Yes. We can carry out reliability and validity analysis on an existing instrument — including Cronbach's alpha, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity — and advise on how to interpret and report the results.

Ready to plan your research methodology?

Tell us about your study design and we will respond with a quote and timeline.

Contact

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