Data Selection, Legitimate or Illegitimate?
Photograph by Lee Jennings
Elton, an engineer, is conducting graduate research at a
major university. In order to complete his graduate studies and
produce an advanced degree, Elton must develop a research
report. As a part of the effort to develop his report, Elton
compiles a vast amount of data relevant to his subject.
The vast majority of data obtained by Elton strongly support
not only his report's conclusion, but also the conclusions of
others. However, a small proportion of the data differs from
the data consistent with Elton's conclusion. Convinced that his
report is sound however, and concerned that the inclusion of
the anomalous data would only detract from the essentials of
the report, Elton does not include these figures in the
report.
Was Elton guilty of falsification of research
results in omitting the anomalous data? What type of additional
information would be ethically relevant to this case?
-- adapted from NSPE Case No. 85-5
Current NSPE Code of Ethics
An earlier version may have been used in this case.
Original Case and BER Judgement
Cite this page:
"Data Selection, Legitimate or Illegitimate?"
Online Ethics Center for Engineering
6/10/2006 9:31:29 PM
National Academy of Engineering
Accessed: Friday, January 09, 2009
<www.onlineethics.org/CMS/profpractice/ppcases/NSPEcases/ec85-5.aspx>