Ethical Reasoning for Statistics and Data Science

October 11, 9 a.m.–noon

Registration closes Friday, October 4. Space is limited to 20 participants.
Instructors:
Mario Davidson, PhD
Jennifer Van Mullekom, PhD

The recent revision of the American Statistical Association Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice in combination with increased media attention on the ethics or data science algorithms has prompted our profession to renew its commitment to ethics education. We have developed DEPICT, a six-phase ethical reasoning process tailored to statistics and data science. In this course, we will present an overview of ethics paradigms and an overview of the American Statistical Association Ethical Guidelines followed by a deep dive into the DEPICT process. Students will define ethical dilemmas, explore possible resolutions, plan resolutions, anticipate issues associated with implementation, contemplate their actions, and transcend through understanding how key learnings can be incorporated into future approaches to similar situations. We will deliver the course in the context of multiple complex, nuanced case studies. Attendees will participate in small group discussions facilitated by the instructors as they apply the framework for the majority of the course. Students will be encouraged to develop multi-perspective views and debate the pros and cons of various resolutions based on professional guidance. In addition, they will report key elements of their small group discussion to the larger group.

This course is appropriate for students, faculty, early career professionals, seasoned thought leaders, and managers across government, industry, and academia. Individual contributors will learn how to apply the process to their own work. Leaders will learn how to leverage the process for group skills development in ethical reasoning. Faculty members will leave the course with materials and methods to incorporate into their statistics and data science courses. The course will consist of analyses of academic and industry/government cases. Participants who complete the pre-reading will get the most out of the group discussion and activities.

The course is free and will be held in person at 2525 West End Avenue. A light continental breakfast and parking are included. We will send additional information to participants shortly before the course.

Host or Publisher Vanderbilt University Medical Center