Statistical and Data Services Core The Statistical and Data Services (SDS) Core serves as the primary source of biostatistical consulting, analysis, training, and database management support for the proposed 2021-2025 National Alcohol Research Center. Continuing from the 2016-2020 Center, the current SDS Core consists of three biostatisticians with varying areas of expertise in cutting-edge methods, including causal inference approaches like doubly robust models, Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation, and instrumental variable methods; machine-learning models like SuperLearner and segmentation analyses; traditional epidemiologic and econometric methods like age- period-cohort and multi-level analyses; and innovative weighting methods for survey data. All projects (National Alcohol Survey; Health Disparities; Alcohol Services; High-Intensity Drinking) depend on the SDS Core for biostatistical services in order to meet their specific aims. The SDS Core proposes to support the Center's goals in the following three ways. First, the SDS Core will provide state-of-the-art biostatistical and analysis support services to each of the Center's research projects. This support will be provided throughout the entire research process including hypothesis generation, survey design and monitoring of sampling progress, database development, analysis formulation and implementation, and research manuscript preparation. Second, a continuing training aim will further the goal of increasing the methodological sophistication of Center researchers through a series of courses on motivation, theory, implementation, and inferential interpretation of a wide range of cutting-edge methods. As part of this training, Center researchers will also learn several key statistical packages in hands-on workshops. These courses have been ongoing as part of the current and previously funded Centers, and have been extremely valuable in raising the overall level of technical functioning of ARG researchers in the continually evolving field. The third and final aim is to provide a range of database and dissemination, including maintenance of and oversight for using the secure data repository, and support services for disseminating results from Center-related projects, with the exciting addition of a new data visualization module. The SDS Core is uniquely positioned to drive innovation because it provides integral services necessary for projects to implement cutting-edge methods for addressing key questions in substance use and health disparities research, while also drawing on its decades of experience with traditional epidemiologic approaches. A formal SDS Core offers the correct balance of expert consulting and analysis resources, and a system of biostatistical theory and practical implementation training courses to create an atmosphere where researchers and biostatisticians can communicate and progress towards their common Center goals.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 257 publications
