Q COLLAPSE Ethical Implications of the Use of Data and Statistics Few people are surprised when politicians are accused of misusing data, but the misrepresentation of information is a fairly common occurrence in other settings as well. For example, educators and/or administrators may be disheartened by the data coming from their school district’s presentations concerning student performance. Or a training manager may be taken by surprise when the funding is cut for a training program he believes is worthwhile. While the numbers or data may not be false, they may be presented in a way that creates a false impression. For this Discussion, recall the examples from this week’s Learning Resources regarding how data can be misused or misinterpreted. Also reflect on the old adage: “Figures never lie, but all liars figure.” Then, bring to mind a situation or study in which numbers or statistics were used improperly, or come up with your own example of how this could be done. With these thoughts in mind: By Day 3 Post a description of a situation/study or hypothetical example in which data or statistics are presented in a way that either intentionally or unintentionally misleads the reader or listener. By Day 7 Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings. Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings. Using the knowledge you gained from this week’s reading, explain how your colleague’s example creates a false impression in the reader’s/listener’s mind. In your response, analyze the ethical implications or the consequences that could result from the situation described. Offer an alternate explanation or describe a better way to accurately present the data cited in your colleague’s posting. Return to the Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned and/or insights you gained, and how these insights will help you become a more critical reader of research. Click on the Reply button below to reveal the textbox for entering your message. Then click on the Submit button to post your message.