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Abstract:
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In statistical studies there are ethical considerations that must be considered. These include ethical issues in collecting data, using confidential data, displaying data and reporting findings. When conducting research, it is important for researchers to remember that they have a responsibility to present the results of their research honestly. Any misconduct in the research process wastes time and resources in misdirected efforts based on flawed information. It also violates the trust that society places in the research process. In this paper, we discuss five case studies that we present to a class of students studying econometrics where they will have the experience of carrying out research independently. The case studies are taken from actual examples from the media and the academic literature. The case studies present examples of the re-identification of confidential patient data, data distortion, errors, reporting of results and fraud and retraction. We finish the discussion of the case studies with a presentation of a set of ethical guidelines that are based on transparent assumptions, reproducible results, and valid interpretations that students are encouraged to adopt.
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