Ethics in Statistical Analysis-.com

Question: Write a small report on Ethics in Statistical Analysis and Reporting. Answer: Introduction: There are ethics in statistics like other areas, which a researcher needs to follow for reporting truth and avoiding data misrepresentation. Certain number of ways are inherent that might lead to arousal of unethical behaviour in statistics. This is because it is relatively easy to manipulate data projecting the desired outcomes, while hiding the actual interpretation of the numbers. However, this does occur every time and there is no reason of not believing in the inference of a statistical analysis. Thus, the current report aims to evaluate the ethics in statistical analysis and reporting. Ethics in statistical analysis and reporting: Ethics in statistics is not straightforward at all and it could be complex on certain occasions. It relies on the type of statistical analysis conducted (Gelman and Price 2014). Unethical behaviour might take place at any point from data collection to data interpretation. For instance, collection of data could be made inherently biased by posing the incorrect questions stimulating strong emotions, instead of objective realities. This takes place every time when the survey is intended to try and prove a point of view, instead of finding out the truth. The other unethical behaviours might constitute of scientists excluding data outliers in their report and evaluation for validating their viewpoint. This occurs in social as well as pure sciences (Gelman 2017). By obscuring data reinforcing a specific theory, scientists are involving in unethical behaviour. Ethics in statistics are highly significant during representation of data as well. It has been observed that the numbers do not lie; however, their representation and interpretation could be misleading. For instance, after a wide survey of numerous customers, an organisation might publish the figures and numbers reflecting well on it; however, it might fully neglect or not provide due significance to other figures (Gelman 2013). For instance, a car might be ranked greater on comfort; however, low on safety. By depicting the comfort figures for the car, the organisation is misleading customers and shareholders regarding the actual picture. In addition, polls and surveys often involve in unscrupulous behaviour for reinforcing a point of view. For instance, a survey might not depict the actual public opinion, since it is not statistically significant. However, numerous surveys do not issue the same along with the poll and this could be misleading (Rosnow and Rosenthal 2014). Hence, as a researcher, objectivity is necessary and an overall picture obtained from the experiment without hiding any detail for personal benefits needs to be provided. Thus, ethics in statistics are significant to provide the correct direction to research for ensuring truth and objectivity. Conclusion: From the above evaluation, it has been found that the researchers and scientists need to be careful while representing the figures and numbers. They need to ensure confidentiality and privacy at all cost for avoiding misuse of the same. Thus, objectivity needs to be assured in statistical analysis and reporting, while interpreting the figures and numbers in an accurate manner for presenting rightful information to the readers of the reports. References: Gelman, A. and Price, P.N., 2014. Ethics and Statistics: The Commissar for Traffic Presents the Latest Five-Year Plan.CHANCE,27(2), pp.58-60. Gelman, A., 2013. Ethics and Statistics: They'd Rather Be Rigorous Than Right.Chance,26(2), pp.45-49. Gelman, A., 2017. Ethics and Statistics: Honesty and Transparency Are Not Enough.Chance,30(1), pp.37-39. Rosnow, R.L. and Rosenthal, R., 2014. Quantitative methods and ethics.The Oxford Handbook of Quantitative Methods: Foundations,1, p.32.