Statistical Analysis Support

Make sure the analysis is done right.

The numbers are in. Now what?

Unless you’re like me, you didn’t get into your line of work with the intention of spending all day running statistical analyses.

More likely, you just want the answer.

(Or to confirm that your results and interpretation are correct, if you already ran the analyses.)

It makes sense. The HR and OD leaders I know are usually more interested in using the results to inform decisions than in delving into the intricacies of calculus or matrix algebra.

True, you could just vibe-code your way through the entire thing, top-to-bottom. (Maybe you already did!)

But something about not really knowing what you’re doing—and consequently not knowing what it means or if it’s correct—just doesn’t sit right with you.

I get it. I wouldn’t be comfortable with that either.

And that’s where I come in…

How I Can Help

I offer three levels of data analysis services, depending on how much involvement you want from me.

  1. Analysis Sanity Check ($1,500 USD)
    This is a rapid review of an analytic plan or a completed analysis to ensure your results and interpretation are correct.
    ▪ For an analytic plan, I’ll review and give recommendations to streamline the process and increase the robustness of the findings.
    ▪ If you already ran the analysis, I’ll independently reproduce all statistical output and visualizations to confirm they’re correct.

  2. Brief Analysis ($3,500 USD)
    Give me a clean dataset and 3 specific questions you’d like answered. I’ll run the analyses, visualize the results, and write up an executive summary with recommendations.
    (Includes a brief technical appendix.)

  3. Custom Analytic Project (contact for pricing*)
    This is a full data analysis project, potentially including any or all of the following:
    ▪ Data Collection
    ▪ Data Cleaning
    ▪ Analysis
    ▪ Visualization
    ▪ Write-up (plain English summary + technical appendix)

    *Price varies based on the scope of what you’re looking for.

Each service is explained in more detail below (click to expand).

If you vibe coded an analysis or analytic plan, but you’re not sure how to validate the output or quality, then I’ll be more than happy to provide a quick Sanity Check.

Situation 1: Analytic Plan

In this scenario, you have a plan but haven’t run any analyses yet. I’ll rapidly audit your plan to identify any mistakes or opportunities to streamline.

Additionally, I’ll give at least 5 recommendations for how to draw more insights out of the data and increase the robustness of the findings, plus interpretation tips.

Situation 2: Completed Analysis

In this scenario, you have already run your analysis. You send me the data, and I’ll confirm the accuracy of your findings by reproducing all results and visualizations.

As with Scenario 1, I’ll give 5+ recommendations for valid interpretation and robustness checks.

In either scenario, I’ll meet with you virtually to review a brief report with the feedback and recommendations. If needed, we can also chat about the technical details of running the analyses.

If you need an Analytic Sanity Check, email me at seth.osbornLA@gmail.com or book a virtual meeting to get more info.

NOTE: I guarantee that the interpretation and recommendations will “click,” even if you’re not a stats person. If you don’t fully understand how to implement the recommendations following our meeting, then we’ll schedule a second follow-up meeting at no cost, and we’ll walk through everything again.

I don’t ever get tired of talking about statistics, and we won’t call it finished until you’re satisfied.

If you have a solid dataset and questions that the data can address, but you have no idea where to start (or just don’t want the stress), then the Brief Analysis may the best choice.

First, we’ll have an initial meeting (~30 minutes) to walk through the questions you’re trying to answer and explore whether the available data can address those questions. If we decide the answer is Yes, then you can send me the file, and I’ll run the analyses for you.*

I’ll send you an executive summary including the results and visualizations, as well as plain-language interpretations and recommendations. This will also include a brief technical appendix in case you want to take a look under the hood.

Lastly, we will have a follow-up meeting (~45 minutes) to review the write-up. I’ll walk you through the findings and recommendations, and you can ask as many questions as you like.

*Sometimes during the initial meeting, it becomes clear that more data are needed or that different analytic questions might be worth exploring. This usually means another meeting prior to running the analyses. If this happens, it does not affect the price.

What all is included in the write-up?

  • High-level overview of the core findings and recommendations
  • Key summary metrics and visualizations
  • Practical interpretations, including conditions and caveats
  • Technical details (appendix)
    • Brief methods summary
    • Data diagnostics
    • Evaluation of model assumptions
    • Sensitivity analyses
    • Supplemental plots and analyses

If you want it, I’ll even give you the code to replicate all of the analyses and output yourself, using open-source software.

To get the Brief Analysis, email me at seth.osbornLA@gmail.com or book a virtual meeting to get more info.

NOTE: You can treat the initial meeting as a trial period. If you don’t like my approach, or if we decide that the data can’t answer your questions, then I’ll refund the full cost.

Either way, any analytic recommendations I make during the meeting are yours to keep and apply forever. =)

If you need something beyond what I described above, then it’ll probably fall into the Custom Analytic Project bucket.

This might involve…

  • More than 3 new analyses of existing data
  • Collecting new data
  • Cleaning messy data
  • Recurring analyses (e.g., based on a regular reporting cycle)
  • Validation studies (e.g., for an employee selection procedure)
  • Planning interventions or change initiatives based on findings
  • Training on analytics or automation

Or something else entirely. I’m often surprised (in a good way) by the creative and interesting challenges that people bring to me.

To discuss options for a Custom Analytic Project, email me at seth.osbornLA@gmail.com or book a virtual meeting.

NOTE: I guarantee satisfaction. I use fixed prices (not hourly rates), which means I can keep working until you’re happy with the results, and you never have to worry about spiraling costs.

What Others Say

  • “You are extremely capable and did a good job telling the story with the data in a way we could understand.”
  • “Seth is great at communicating clearly what needs to be done [for a particular analysis] in a step by step manner.”
  • “You did a great job listening to us as your customers even as we asked elementary questions. 🙂 “
  • “The special thing about Seth is that he doesn’t complicate things.”
  • “[He] breaks down the concepts in an easily digestible manner.”
  • “[The explanation of the analysis] was easier to understand than what I learned back when I took statistics [in college].”
  • “He really has a gift for translating difficult topics into material that is more approachable and engaging.”
  • “You’re a lifesaver!”

FAQs

“How do you protect the confidentiality of sensitive data?”

All data, analyses, and results are stored in password-protected files on a password-protected laptop, which only I have access to.

I run all analyses locally, on that same device. Nothing goes through cloud platforms or AI tools.

Please redact any individually identifying information from personnel data prior to sending me the files. (This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your employees’ privacy!)

“I’m a student. Will you run my analysis for me?”

I do not run analyses for students. However, I can help you understand and run your own analyses. Feel free to email me any stats questions, and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction or answer any straightforward questions.

(I don’t help with homework. Sorry!)

“I’m an academic. Will you run my analysis for me?”

I do not run analyses for other academics for pay. Instead, either (1) I can teach you how to understand and run your own analysis, or (2) you can contact me at seth.osborn@rice.edu to discuss collaboration possibilities.

“Do you offer statistics tutoring?”

I no longer offer statistics tutoring. But if that’s what you need, I can connect you with someone good.

“Will you make a statistics video on Topic X?”

I do take requests for stats videos for my YouTube channel. Just send me an email with any details, and I’ll try to get to it as soon as I can.

“Do you incorporate AI into your analytic process? Can you help us set up an AI system to analyze our data?”

Maybe, if it makes sense for your situation. For example, AI can be helpful for certain tasks like analyzing large amounts of text data.

That said, most of the analyses I run do not rely on AI.

Don’t get me wrong; I love AI and use it daily to automate a variety of menial tasks.

But for any high-stakes decisions or planning purposes, I only use statistical methods where we can accurately explain what’s happening under the hood.

I don’t use any “black box” techniques, where no one involved really understands what’s going on, for the same reason that I don’t speed down curvy mountain roads with my eyes closed.

“Do you use machine learning (ML) techniques?”

Depends what you mean. I use whatever technique is most appropriate for the problem we’re trying to solve.

Often, what’s initially presented as a novel ML technique turns out to be a souped-up variation of a basic statistical analysis or even a pure relabeling of a concept we’ve known about forever.

On the other hand, some ML approaches venture into territory where it’s not clear what all is factoring into the calculations. I don’t use methods like that for any analyses involving personnel data.

I’ll generally discourage you from doing the same, but if you’re dead set on it, I can connect you with an ML expert who can help ensure you do it responsibly.

Email any additional questions to seth.osbornLA@gmail.com.

Meet the Analyst

Hello! I’m Seth Osborn.

I’m an industrial-organizational psychologist (think “business psych”). I’m the principal consultant for Osborn Learning & Analytics LLC and a Professor of Practice at Rice University.

Across more than a decade of training and consulting, I’ve certified hundreds of trainers; taught or spoken to thousands of professionals and students; and provided consulting services for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, prominent Fortune 500 and Am Law 100 firms, and professional sports teams.

My certifications include Hogan Assessments, the Birkman Method, and the Uncommon Coaching model developed by Leadership Worth Following. I hold a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa.

My Philosophy:

I believe that every psychologist’s goal should be to make the invisible become visible. I don’t see the value in telling people what they already know.

So, rather than merely “holding up a mirror,” my services are designed to reveal blind spots. New vision enables new action.

If that’s what you’re looking for, then let’s chat.