Rigorous evidence you can trust, for decisions that matter.

Cognistat partners with public sector agencies and socially-driven organisations to design better surveys, collect quality data, and turn evidence into action.

CogniStat — Cognitive Statistics & AI

Cognitive Statistics & AI

Who We Are

Methodology-first data consulting

CogniStat is a Melbourne-based data and evaluation consultancy. We specialise in the full data lifecycle — from survey and sampling design through to advanced analytics and program evaluation — helping our clients make decisions grounded in rigorous, reliable evidence.

We work primarily with public sector agencies, government departments, and organisations pursuing measurable social impact. Our clients come to us when the quality of data and methodology matters as much as the findings themselves.

Why CogniStat

What sets us apart

01
Full end-to-end support

We cover the entire data lifecycle, not just the analytics layer.

02
In-house survey & sampling design

We design and control fieldwork quality ourselves — no outsourcing.

03
Advanced statistical modelling

Rigorous quantitative techniques applied to real-world problems.

04
Social sector experience

Deep familiarity with public and not-for-profit evaluation contexts.

What We Do

Four core service pillars

Each engagement draws on one or more of our core capabilities, tailored to your context and objectives.

Survey & Sampling Design

Rigorous instrument design and statistically sound sampling frameworks that ensure your data represents the population you care about.

Field Data Collection

End-to-end fieldwork management with in-house quality controls, ensuring data integrity from collection through to delivery.

Data Analytics & Statistical Modelling

Advanced statistical techniques — from regression and multivariate analysis to predictive modelling — that surface meaningful insights.

Project & Program Evaluation

Theory of change, impact measurement, and evaluation frameworks designed to demonstrate outcomes to funders and stakeholders.

Our Work

Selected projects

A sample of the work we do across sectors. Project details are available on request.

Government · Evaluation

Community services program evaluation for a state government agency

Designed and executed a mixed-methods evaluation framework, including client surveys, service provider interviews, and outcome modelling against program theory of change.

Not-for-Profit · Survey Research

Population-level needs assessment for a social services organisation

Developed a stratified sampling strategy and administered a large-scale community survey to inform a regional service planning process.

Policy · Analytics

Statistical modelling for evidence-based policy development

Applied regression and segmentation modelling to administrative data to identify drivers of service uptake and inform targeted policy recommendations.

Insights & Resources

Thinking from the team

Articles, guides, and white papers on data methodology, survey practice, and evaluation.

Article

Why sampling design is the most under-valued step in research

A well-designed survey instrument means nothing if the sample is biased. We explore common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Read more →

Guide

Survey best practices for public sector practitioners

A practical guide to designing, fielding, and interpreting surveys in government and community service contexts.

Download guide →

White Paper

From data to decision: building evaluation frameworks that hold up

How to construct a theory of change and evaluation framework that satisfies funders, informs practice, and holds up to scrutiny.

Read more →

Get in Touch

Start a conversation

Tell us about your project or research challenge. We'll respond within one business day.

Email info@cognistat.com.au
Location Melbourne, Victoria, Australia