We have developed this set of 6 case studies to support learning about common ethical issues in AI and data science research.
Purpose of these case studies
CONTEXT
The Ada Lovelace Institute, the University of Exeter’s Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the Alan Turing Institute developed these mock AI and data science research proposals for a workshop held as part of the research for their report Looking before we leap. The workshop found that case studies are useful training resources for understanding common ethical challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science research.
This resource includes some excellent case studies that can be used for the professional development of research ethics committee committees in artificial intelligence in computer science research. We think it is high time to expand the membership of research ethics committees to include people with technical or research experience in these areas. Regardless, institutions need to provide to members of their research ethics committee, professional development on the ethics issues loaded to artificial intelligence and computer science. This item includes some fantasy case studies that could help. AHRECS has decades of national and international experience in the design in the delivery of professional development for committees, nationally and internationally, in personation and remotely. Contact us at enquiry@ahrecs.com to discuss.
HOW SHOULD THESE CASE STUDIES BE USED?
In our report, we found that academic and corporate Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are struggling to review the full set of ethical challenges that AI and data science research can pose. One concern that members of RECs highlighted was a lack of training materials that touch on the kinds of ethical challenges AI and data science research can pose. To that end, we have developed this set of 6 case studies that represent hypothetical submissions to a Research Ethics Committee.
These case studies are for use by students, researchers, members of research ethics committees, funders and other actors in the research ecosystem to further develop their ability to spot and evaluate common ethical issues in AI and data science research. Their purpose is to prompt reflection on common research ethics issues and the societal implications of different AI and data science research projects.
SOURCE MATERIAL
The case study follows the template provided in The Turing Way,1 with five broad questions on:
- Project description
- Data & methodology
- Consent
- Privacy and security
- Further societal consequences
Ada Lovelace Institute. (2022). Looking before we leap: expanding ethical review processes for AI and data science research.
