The Hows and Whys of Reasoning with the ASA Ethical Guidelines

Abstract

Since data analysis is becoming important across disciplines, the ASA Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice, which were updated in 2016, can serve to introduce all students in quantitative disciplines to critical concepts of responsible data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. The Guidelines contain elements that are suitable, and important, components of training for undergraduates whether or not they are statistics majors, to prepare them for ethical quantitative work. The Guideline principles interact, and sometimes must be prioritized. Therefore, neither the simple distribution of –nor an encouragement to memorize- the Guidelines can promote the necessary level of awareness. This presentation will introduce ethical reasoning as a learnable, improvable skill set that can provide an entry point to working with the 2016 revised ASA Ethical Guidelines.