Montana State University Expands Data Analysis Services Beyond Social Sciences

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A Montana State University research facility has expanded its data analysis services beyond social sciences to support a broader range of academic and applied research projects.

The facility, now called Social Data Collection and Analysis Services, rebranded in 2024 from its previous name, the HELPS Lab, to reflect its expanded mission. While it once focused primarily on surveys and social science data, the facility now provides statistical analysis for physical and biological sciences as well.

“We have worked on over 250 projects going back to 2015,” said Eric Raile, the facility’s director and an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Political Science. “I think we’ve worked with every college on campus, and also with a number of state agencies, other government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits.”

The facility’s recent projects demonstrate its expanded scope. Staff have worked on experimental design for a sleep apnea intervention grant proposal, conducted time series analysis to predict ATM usage and performed statistical analysis of music theory and fiddle tunes.

Facility manager Greta Linse and staff statistician Sally Slipher work alongside undergraduate students to help researchers throughout the entire data collection and analysis process. Services include survey design, data collection methods selection and statistical analysis presentation.

The expansion addresses a growing need for statistical expertise across disciplines, Raile said. The facility aims to improve research productivity and quality while making MSU more competitive for external research funding.

“The production of valid and reliable results depends on getting an entire chain of complex decisions right along the way,” Raile said. “A task such as constructing a survey questionnaire may seem simple, but the precision of language and formatting can influence results in meaningful ways.”

The facility also tackles emerging challenges in data integrity. Staff help researchers identify invalid survey responses generated by machines, a problem that Linse said is becoming increasingly difficult to detect.

“We can identify problems that they’re going to encounter and help them collect good data that are actually usable,” Linse said. “That’s better to do before you even launch, because we can’t always fix data that were collected because of poorly designed questions.”

Regular clients include MSU Extension and the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center, which use the facility for community surveys. The facility offers free one-hour consultations and no-charge estimates.

“Having statistical analysis, data collection and research design guidance will help make MSU research more fundable and more publishable, helping to maximize the impact of our good work,” said Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

Researchers can schedule consultations by emailing socialdata@montana.edu or calling 406-994-5205.