Ethics Paper

For this assignment, you will discuss how Christian principles can be applied to ethical issues in statistics.

Required Reading:

Read the following:

1. "Ethical Issues" sections in Chapters 4.5, 8.5, and 9.5 in the textbook. (ATTACHED)
2. Chapters 7.1 and 7.2 in the textbook.
3. The "Reflection Before Action: The Statistical Consultant Confronts Ethical Issues" article. In this article, the authors cite the American Statistical Association's Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice (see the "Ethics Provides a Defensible Response" section of the article). Take note of the information in this section (see http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2001/consultant.htm). 
4. The "A Christian View of the Foundations of Statistics" article (see http://www.asa3.org/ASA/PSCF/1987/PSCF9-87Geertsema.html).

Essay:

Write a paper that considers ethical issues in business statistics and discuss how your personal values can be applied to them. This assignment is primarily introspective in nature and students will be given significant latitude in addressing specific questions. Specifically, provide the following in your paper:

1. Include a brief introduction that outlines your paper.
2. Address the following question: Which ethical guideline(s) from the articles is (are) most applicable to you and why? How does this article (or how do the articles) affect your personal decision making related to statistics and ethics?
3. How can the ethical issue(s) raised be addressed from a Christian worldview? In other words, what guidance, using principles from a Christian worldview perspective, could be applied to understand and address these ethical issues? The following GCU websites may be helpful: (a) Doctrinal Statement (http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Doctrinal-Statement.php) and (b) Mission and Vision (http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Mission-and-Vision.php.)
4. In addition to addressing these questions, the student may also frame the issue using ethical theories (utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, distributive justice, virtue ethics, and covenantal ethics). Note, however, that the previously posed questions about Christian worldview must still be addressed.
5. Provide a brief conclusion that summarizes your perspectives.

Use external citations. Your paper should have at least six external citations (in addition to any Biblical citations) to help frame the issue. Wikipedia citations are not allowed.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.