The Ethics of ‘Big Data Analytics’ in the Sciences
Biomedical scientists are regularly faced with ethical challenges posed by the use of Big Data analytics in their research. Ethical risks cannot be ignored given the sensitivity of health-related data and the implicit vulnerability of patients. In this workshop, we will define and clarify concepts such as ethics, Big Data, data analytics, bias, algorithm, consent, data set, data collection, data narrative, privacy, disparate impact, and data security, and we will explore ethical frameworks, modes of thinking, bases of claims, and argumentation. We will identify ways in which research universities, professional associations, industry and government are seeking to regulate data use, and will conclude by focusing on creative solutions to ethical dilemmas in biomedicine that are now being developed by individual biomedical researchers and professional ethicists.
This workshop will include lecture, case study, group discussion, mock debates, experiential activities, “what if” scenario review, and brief use of video clips (YouTube, TedTalk) featuring ethicists addressing these issues on an international basis.
Dates: Mondays, November 23rd, 30th, & December 7th; 9 am – Noon.
Course capacity: 24
Course fee: $10
Workshop Instructors
Arnie Aronoff, PhD
Faculty, Master of Science in Analytics and School of Social Science Administration, University of Chicago; President, Group Concept OD, Ltd.
Dr. Aronoff is an organizational development consultant and educator with over 25 years of experience helping organizations improve performance. He has also taught management and team dynamics at the graduate student level for many years. Dr. Aronoff has expertise in health care, higher education, government, and social service sectors. His specialties include team dynamics, especially at the executive and director levels. Additionally, Dr. Aronoff specializes in leadership development, organizational change, performance management, strategic planning, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion.