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Discuss the ethics involved in the study using the ethical framework presented in your reading.
A graduate student decides that if she finds any outliers in her survey data, she will simply delete them from her data set.
Sample Answer
Ethics in Data Analysis: Handling Outliers
In the realm of research and data analysis, ethical considerations play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the study. The decision made by a graduate student to delete outliers from survey data raises significant ethical concerns that must be addressed within the framework of research ethics.
Understanding the Ethical Framework
The ethical framework in research encompasses principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice. These principles guide researchers in conducting studies that prioritize the well-being of participants, uphold honesty and integrity, ensure informed consent, and promote fairness in the distribution of benefits and risks.
Ethical Implications of Deleting Outliers
Deleting outliers from survey data can have far-reaching implications on the validity and reliability of the study findings. Outliers, although they may skew the results, often contain valuable information that should not be disregarded. By selectively removing outliers, the student risks distorting the data and drawing inaccurate conclusions, which goes against the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence.
Upholding Research Integrity
In research, integrity is paramount. Manipulating data by deleting outliers not only compromises the validity of the study but also violates the trust that participants place in researchers to conduct ethical and honest investigations. By adhering to ethical standards and transparency in data analysis, researchers uphold the principles of respect for autonomy and justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to delete outliers from survey data raises ethical red flags within the framework of research ethics. Researchers have a responsibility to handle data with integrity, transparency, and respect for the participants involved. By upholding ethical principles in data analysis, researchers can ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of their studies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge with integrity and responsibility.
