Research Methodology Services
Expert guidance for specific research needs from protocol review to study evaluation to strategic planning
One-time projects without ongoing commitment
When Project-Based Services Work Best
These services are designed for specific research needs with defined scope and timeline.
You need expert methodology guidance for a particular project: protocol review before a study begins, evaluation of supplier research before formulation decisions, literature analysis on a new ingredient, strategic consultation on research priorities.
You have an immediate research question or challenge that requires specialized expertise but doesn't justify ongoing consulting relationship.
You want to test our approach before committing to a retainer. Many fractional research director clients start with protocol review or study evaluation to experience our methodology expertise firsthand.
Your research activity is sporadic or unpredictable, making project-based engagement more practical than monthly retainer costs.
If you're planning multiple studies over 2-3 years or need regular research guidance on supplier claims, competitive intelligence, and evidence strategy, fractional retainer packages typically provide better value and deeper integration with your team.
Protocol Review
Comprehensive review of study protocols before enrollment begins to identify methodology flaws in outcome measures, power calculations, blinding strategies, and statistical plans. Prevents expensive false negatives from fixable design issues.
Most studies fail not because products don't work, but because protocols were designed with assumptions that don't match realities. Wrong outcome measures, inadequate sample sizes, blinding strategies that won't survive sensory-distinctive ingredients, and more.
Includes detailed written recommendations covering all methodology components plus two rounds of revisions to refine protocols before IRB submission or CRO engagement.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Study Evaluation
Expert methodology analysis of published research. Evaluates a set of studies for design quality, statistical validity, and whether claims align with actual findings.
The supplement industry is flooded with "clinically studied" claims backed by research with fatal methodology flaws. Underpowered samples, inappropriate outcome measures, statistical errors, formulations that don't match what's being sold. These studies look impressive but don't hold up to scrutiny.
Know exactly what competitor claims are actually backed by rigorous research versus questionable methodology, or whether supplier studies truly support the ingredients they're selling. Comprehensive written evaluation with methodology quality ratings and strategic recommendations.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Literature Review & Evidence Summary
Comprehensive evidence assessment on any ingredient or condition. Systematic literature search with quality evaluation of key studies, synthesis of efficacy and safety data, and dosing recommendations based on actual research, not supplier marketing materials.
Before investing in formulation, reformulation, or clinical trials, you need to know what the existing research actually says. What's well-established versus preliminary. What doses have been studied. What claims current evidence can support. What research gaps exist.
Understand the complete evidence landscape before making expensive decisions. Includes comprehensive written summary with study quality ratings, evidence synthesis, strategic recommendations, and full bibliography.
Ingredient Due Diligence Package
Complete research assessment before formulation commitments. Combines comprehensive literature review with supplier study evaluation and competitive product analysis, providing strategic recommendations on whether and how to proceed with new ingredients.
More thorough than literature review alone, this package evaluates both published evidence and supplier-provided research to give you complete intelligence before major formulation investments. Identifies ingredients with impressive marketing but weak evidence, research that doesn't match what suppliers sell, and evidence gaps that will limit your marketing claims.
Includes literature review, supplier research evaluation, competitive landscape analysis, safety assessment, and strategic recommendation: proceed, wait, or pass. Comprehensive 30-40 page report with ROI analysis.
Research Strategy Session
Two-hour strategic consultation on research priorities, study planning, and evidence-based positioning. Expert guidance on which studies to run when, realistic timelines and budgets, evidence gaps in your portfolio, and how to build research programs that support business goals.
Strategic thinking before committing to expensive studies, ensuring research investments create real competitive value rather than becoming expensive checkbox exercises. Get expert perspective on methodology questions, feasibility assessment, competitive positioning, and research roadmap development.
This is strategic consultation and recommendations, not project delivery like protocols or literature reviews (available as add-ons). Includes two-hour session, written summary of recommendations, and follow-up support.
Claims Substantiation Evaluation
Comprehensive review of your current evidence portfolio and product claims. Identifies which claims have strong substantiation versus regulatory risk, evaluates methodology quality of supporting research, and provides gap analysis showing what additional studies would strengthen your position.
Most brands don't have a clear picture of where their evidence actually stands from an FDA/FTC perspective. Claims that seem well-supported may have methodology problems in underlying research. Evidence gaps often exist where brands don't realize additional studies are needed.
Know exactly where your evidence stands before regulatory scrutiny and prioritize research investments strategically. Includes claim-by-claim substantiation assessment, competitive comparison, gap analysis, and prioritized research recommendations.
Power Analysis & Sample Size
Sample size calculations based on realistic botanical effect sizes, not pharmaceutical assumptions. Determines appropriate study size to detect effects if they exist, preventing underpowered trials that waste investment producing null results even when products work.
Underpowered studies are among the most expensive methodology mistakes. You invest $50-250K in a trial, the product works, but the sample was too small to detect it statistically. Results show "no significant effect" and money is wasted; all preventable with proper power analysis upfront.
Essential before committing to enrollment costs, challenging CRO recommendations, or determining study feasibility. Includes comprehensive analysis with multiple scenarios, risk assessment, and strategic recommendations on sample size decisions.
Biostats Analysis & Interpretation
Expert analysis of completed study data with publication-ready results. Appropriate statistical tests, effect size calculations, handling of missing data and protocol deviations, and clear interpretation of clinical and statistical significance.
Many supplement studies fail at the analysis stage due to wrong tests, failure to account for multiple comparisons, over-interpretation of marginal findings, or missing real effects due to inadequate analytical approaches. Professional statistical expertise ensures your data receives appropriate analysis and accurate interpretation.
Hourly billing based on study complexity ensures you only pay for the analysis your specific data requires.
Simple Process
1 / Share your needs
Complete a brief request form describing your project, timeline, and specific questions or goals. No lengthy RFPs or complicated intake processes; just clear information about what you need.
2 / Receive Proposal
Within 2 business days, you'll receive a detailed proposal outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and investment. Everything clearly specified so you know exactly what to expect.
3 / We Get to Work
Most projects start within 1-2 weeks of agreement. We'll request any materials needed (protocols, studies to review, product information) and confirm timeline.
4 / We Deliver
All services include comprehensive written deliverables: detailed reports, analysis, or recommendations as specified in your proposal. Professional, thorough, and actionable.
5 / Ongoing Support
Most services include revision rounds, follow-up calls, or email support to ensure recommendations are clear and you can implement them effectively.