Teaching and Learning about ethical practice: The case analysis
[post]
Rochelle E. Tractenberg
2019
unpublished
Statistics, biostatistics, and data science are unique disciplines/a unique discipline in the sciences: anyone with an Internet connection and computing device can utilize the methods from these disciplines –irrespective of preparation to do so. Most empirical and all experimental sciences require some form of data analysis, including qualitative methods. However, even those in degree or formal educational programs learning about statistics/biostatistics/data science do not receive training in
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... hat constitutes "ethical practice". The American Statistical Association (ASA) maintains, and recently (2018) updated, Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice. Understanding and being able to utilize these Guidelines (GLs) is relevant for all applications of statistical and data science methodologies – whether for true "research" (following the scientific method) or for business or other predictive/decision-making support. Thus, students who will go on to be statisticians and non-statisticians alike need to learn about ethical statistical practice, including those who seek to apply these methods in marketing, policy, and higher education. This article describes how to employ the case study method to teach the ASA GLs, using simple vignettes and a specific tool called a "stakeholder analysis template". The template is introduced as a method for understanding the harms and benefits, as well as the stakeholders, in each of a series of tasks common to the collection, analysis/manipulation, and drawing of inferences or conclusions based on data in any shape or size. The ASA Ethical Guidelines are discussed with respect to their potential to guide data collection and munging (two specific tasks), with three learning objectives: 1. describe how different individuals ("stakeholders") may be affected by decisions and actions; 2. enumerate harms and benefits that are most clearly relevant for each stakeholder with respect to the activity; and 3. identify which ASA GL Principles (and/or specific elements) seem most relevant to this activity. The stakeholder analysis template is intended to facilitate teaching and learning – and the ultimate utility – of the ASA Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice.
doi:10.31235/osf.io/58umw
fatcat:67h2rfe5obctbhavchothfwdla