Transcript stat12t_1501.ppt

Lecture Slides
Elementary Statistics
Twelfth Edition
and the Triola Statistics Series
by Mario F. Triola
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Section 15.1-1
Chapter 15
Ethics, Projects, Procedures,
and Perspectives
15-1 Ethics in Statistics
15-2 Projects
15-3 Procedures
15-4 Perspectives
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Section 15.1-2
Key Concept
Statistical methods give us tremendous power to better
understand the world, but this power can be abused in
ways that are fundamentally unethical.
We must consider some ethical issues related to data
collection, analysis, and reporting.
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Section 15.1-3
I. Data Collection
“The end does not justify the means” is a widely quoted
phrase center to many ethical debates.
There are many research studies in which the health and
safety of research subjects were compromised so that
others might benefit.
•Prisoner Studies in the United States during the 1970s
•Milgram Experiment during the 1960s
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Section 15.1-4
I. Data Collection
Sampling Bias – some individuals are more or less likely
to be included in a study, resulting in a sample that is not
random.
Sampling bias can seriously distort the interpretation of
study results and result in wrong or misleading
conclusions.
Examples include “cherry picking,” nonrespondent bias,
interviewer bias, and volunteer bias.
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Section 15.1-5
II. Analysis
Research study findings are often distorted by improper
analysis.
Many researchers succumb to pressures and temptations
to report significant or “conclusive” results through
negligent and unethical analysis.
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Section 15.1-6
II. Analysis
Falsified Data: According to one article, nearly 2% of
scientists admitted to have fabricated, falsified, or
modified data or results at least once.
Inappropriate Statistical Methods: Whether intentional or
unintentional, studies on this topic have shown that errors
in statistical analysis are widespread.
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Section 15.1-7
III. Ethics and Reporting
Conflicts of Interest – Ghostwriting:
A medical ghostwriter is someone who contributes to the
writing of a research study or article but is not
acknowledged in the published work.
Conflicts of Interest – Financial Support:
Pharmaceutical and medical device companies fund a
substantial amount of medical research, which can skew
the work and distort the findings.
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Section 15.1-8
IV. Enforcing Ethics
Many organizations have established ethical guidelines
for their members or authors whose works they publish.
The Common Rule:
1. People who participate as subjects are selected
equitably and give their fully informed, fully voluntary
written consent.
2. Proposed research is reviewed by an independent
oversight group called an Institutional Review Board.
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Section 15.1-9
IV. Enforcing Ethics
As consumers of data, each of us should ponder the
following questions:
1. Who is reporting the study and do they have any
financial or personal interest in the outcome?
2. How were the data obtained? Are there potential
biases?
3. Have these findings been reviewed by peers or anyone
else?
4. What specifics do they provide about the methods
used?
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Section 15.1-10
IV. Enforcing Ethics
As researchers, we should strive to behave ethically:
1. Be complete and honest about the findings.
2. Seek the advice of professionals when unsure about
statistical methods.
3. Disclose financial relationships and any other interests
in the outcome of the research.
4. Acknowledge those who made meaningful
contributions.
5. Be ready and willing to share the data, analyses, and
results.
6. Clearly identify any assumptions, limitations, or
outstanding questions in the research.
Copyright © 2014, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc.
Section 15.1-11