Conversations with faculty about research

O this learning, what a thing it is.

William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew

My introduction to research and statistics started during my graduate school days at Michigan State University in 1969. I was blessed with formative course work, outstanding teachers, and practical opportunities to learn the skills of investigation.

In the 40 plus years, since first learning about experimental and quasi-experimental designs and that multivariable statistics were now available (thanks to IBM mainframe computers), I have conducted, collaborated, and advised on many university-based research studies. My work has been primarily with medical school faculty, a population that spans the continuum of researchers, from those with keen acumen to those who have little training but who have an interest in research or who are externally motivated (read chairperson, tenure, promotion, etc.).