Throughout this unit, we will have reviewed several examples of the questionable use of statistics in reporting and in political discussions as well as potentially inappropriate use of data by social science researchers. This will also include potentially problematic uses of data in forming policy, making employment decisions, or in marketing.
You are tasked with researching two examples of potentially problematic uses of data with a minimum of two sources discussing each. One should be focused on the misuse of data in the media, researchers, or by politicians and the other will be concerns about some big data or algorithm-based program. You cannot use examples from class, so make sure to do the assigned readings to ensure no overlap. I have purposefully left out major uses of data to leave for research in this assignment.
The misuse of data can be accidental or purposefully misleading, but should not be an outright lie. Ensure your example has some element of truth to it, but has been remarked to be misleading. Your research should summarize how the misuse came about, how it was covered in the media, and any efforts to remediate or fix the issue.
The concern about some big data or algorithm-based program should be covered substantially by several news sources and your research should highlight the purported benefits of the program/research/product as well as the documented downsides. Be sure to explain how the program works in the process.
I expect this paper to be about 3-4 pages in length, double-spaced, with an appropriate introduction and conclusion paragraph that ties the two examples researched together. Students should utilize proper citation (parenthetical citations or footnotes) and provide a list of references used at the end. It is likely a stronger paper will integrate sources together rather than have the information presented be done source by source.
Students are STRONGLY recommended to run by their ideas/sources by my ahead of time to confirm the topic ideas you have conform to the assignment expectations. Dont hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
