Refer to the article “Science, Statistics, and Deception,” in this module’s Learn section, before beginning this thread.
Even in secular areas of science, unethical behavior is frowned upon and viewed in disgust. How much more then must Christians strive to not just be “ethical” but also to present findings or information in a way that will not mislead the reader? As 1 Peter 2:12 says “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (NKJV). Although the meaning of this verse and those that precede it were used in a somewhat different context, its words are still applicable here. When performing research and statistical analysis, you cannot let it be thought that you are unethical as that perception will harm not only your reputation but also the reputation of Christianity. Below are the instructions for the thread.
Discuss the following:
• How could you make the ideas mentioned in the article more in line with the Christian worldview? Tie the article’s message to at least 1 Scripture in addition to other ideas you may have.
• What do you think it says about a person who will let the pressure to publish cause him or her to be deceptive?
• What safeguards will you implement to prevent yourself from being deceptive in statistical analysis and research?