The teaching/learning process in university statistical consulting labs in the United States

Abstract

The main focus of this paper is on how statistics students are trained in consultancy skills, as well as on how faculty in charge of university statistical consulting units perceive the consultant's role in training researchers. An electronic survey of 106 USA departments was conducted. Results indicate a wide range of practices in how students consult and how they are trained in consulting skills, but much greater consistency in the belief that such training is essential to a statistician's education and about the problems faced by both student consultants and student clients. The consulting service was seen as a useful way for researchers to learn because they would be working on a problem or data set of interest to them. Respondents discussed the importance of collaboration, particularly as a goal for consulting relationships that would benefit both parties, with reciprocal teaching and learning.