Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Good statistical practice is fundamentally The principles expressed here should guide
based on transparent assumptions, repro- both those whose primary occupation is
ducible results, and valid interpretations. statistics and those in all other disciplines
In some situations, Guideline principles who use statistical methods in their profes-
may conflict, requiring individuals to sional work. Therefore, throughout these
prioritize principles according to context. Guidelines, the term “statistician” includes
However, in all cases, stakeholders have all practitioners of statistics and quantita-
an obligation to act in good faith, to act tive sciences, regardless of job title or field
in a manner that is consistent with these of degree, comprising statisticians at all
Guidelines, and to encourage others to levels of the profession and members of
do the same. Above all, professionalism other professions who utilize and report
in statistical practice presumes the goal statistical analyses and their implications.
C. Responsibilities to
Science/Public/Funder/Client
The ethical statistician supports valid in- 3. Applies statistical sampling and anal-
ferences, transparency, and good science in ysis procedures scientifically, without
general, keeping the interests of the public, predetermining the outcome.
funder, client, or customer in mind (as well 4. Strives to make new statistical knowl-
as professional colleagues, patients, the edge widely available to provide bene-
public, and the scientific community). fits to society at large and beyond his/
her own scope of applications.
The ethical statistician:
5. Understands and conforms to confi-
1. To the extent possible, presents a client dentiality requirements of data collec-
or employer with choices among valid tion, release, and dissemination and
alternative statistical approaches that any restrictions on its use established
may vary in scope, cost, or precision. by the data provider (to the extent
legally required), and protects use and
2. Strives to explain any expected ad- disclosure of data accordingly. Guards
verse consequences of failure to follow privileged information of the employer,
through on an agreed-upon sampling client, or funder.
or analytic plan.
F. Responsibilities to Other
Statisticians or Statistics Practitioners
The practice of statistics requires consid- 2. Helps strengthen the work of others
eration of the entire range of possible ex- through appropriate peer review; in
planations for observed phenomena, and peer review, respects differences of
distinct observers drawing on their own opinion and assesses methods, not
unique sets of experiences can arrive at individuals. Strives to complete review
different and potentially diverging judg- assignments thoroughly, thoughtfully,
ments about the plausibility of different and promptly.
explanations. Even in adversarial settings, 3. Instills in students and non-statisticians
discourse tends to be most successful an appreciation for the practical value
when statisticians treat one another with of the concepts and methods they are
mutual respect and focus on scientific learning or using.
principles, methodology and the sub-
stance of data interpretations. 4. Uses professional qualifications and
contributions as the basis for decisions
Out of respect for fellow statistical practi- regarding statistical practitioners’
tioners, the ethical statistician: hiring, firing, promotion, work assign-
ments, publications and presentations,
1. Promotes sharing of data and methods candidacy for offices and awards, fund-
as much as possible and as appropriate ing or approval of research, and other
without compromising propriety. Makes professional matters.
documentation suitable for replicate 5. Does not harass or discriminate.
analyses, metadata studies, and other
research by qualified investigators.
H. Responsibilities of Employers,
Including Organizations,
Individuals, Attorneys, or
Other Clients Employing
Statistical Practitioners
Those employing any person to analyze Those employing statisticians are expected to:
data are implicitly relying on the profes-
sion’s reputation for objectivity. However, 1. Recognize that the Ethical Guidelines
this creates an obligation on the part of the exist, and were instituted, for the pro-
employer to understand and respect statis- tection and support of the statistician
ticians’ obligation of objectivity. and the consumer alike.