3. Ethics: Fairness

Fairness in interpretation is a key ethical principle that ensures scientists select and interpret data without bias, so no group is disadvantaged.

3.1. Examples

  • Allow participants to choose whether to take part in a survey.

  • Write survey questions in plain language that everyone can understand.

  • Select and interpret data without bias so no group is disadvantaged.

  • Check that the original study sample represents a diverse range of people.

  • Share research benefits broadly, not only with well-resourced institutions.

  • Publish findings in open-access formats so all researchers can access and build on them.

Fill in the Gaps β€” Fairness

Complete the following by filling in the missing words.

Word list (A β†’ Z): convey β€’ decide β€’ include β€’ interpret β€’ share

  1. Participants must be allowed to ______________ whether they want to take part in a study.

  2. Survey questions should ______________ clear meaning so everyone can understand them.

  3. Researchers must ______________ data without favouring any group.

  4. A study sample should ______________ a wide range of people to ensure fairness.

  5. Scientists should ______________ their findings in ways that allow others to access and build on them.

Reveal Answer Key

  1. decide

  2. convey

  3. interpret

  4. include

  5. share

Multiple-Choice Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

  1. Why is it important to let people choose whether to participate in a study?

    a. It ensures participation is voluntary
    b. It increases the number of responses
    c. It avoids writing consent forms
    d. It makes the study faster

  1. What makes a survey question fair?

    a. Asking only yes/no questions
    b. Writing it in plain, understandable language
    c. Making it sound impressive
    d. Using complex scientific terms

  1. What is an example of unbiased data interpretation?

    a. Applying the same criteria to all data
    b. Selecting only the smallest data sets
    c. Favouring one group’s responses
    d. Ignoring results that don’t fit expectations

  1. Why should a study include a diverse sample?

    a. To reduce the number of variables
    b. To avoid collecting too much data
    c. To make the report longer
    d. To ensure conclusions apply fairly to different groups

  1. Why is open access important for fairness in science?

    a. It increases printing costs
    b. It limits who can read the research
    c. It allows all researchers to use and build on the findings
    d. It makes the study more secretive
Reveal Answer Key

  1. a β€” It ensures participation is voluntary

  1. b β€” Writing it in plain, understandable language

  1. a β€” Applying the same criteria to all data

  1. d β€” To ensure conclusions apply fairly to different groups

  1. c β€” It allows all researchers to use and build on the findings