Statistical evidence, reports, and testimony play an increasing role in decision-making, ranging from the actions of individuals and private organizations, to those of the courts and other public authorities. Because of their expertise, statisticians are called on for information and advice, in these various settings. With these roles come ethical questions concerning appropriate behavior in difficult situations. What is the statisticians' responsibility to employer or client, for instance, when called on for testimony in a courtroom or before the Congress, or when asked by the media for comment? How should statisticians respond when they disagree as to the treatment of uncertainty in statistical analyses, or the methods of evaluation of statistical studies, or the sufficiency of data for making a decision or ruling? This project begins a process whereby the American Statistical Association (ASA) can enhance the knowledge of statisticians and decision makers about the issues of professional responsibility facing all of them in these various settings. With advice from a broadly representative Steering Committee, the Association will plan and hold a workshop on the role of statisticians as expert witnesses. Using the census undercount and environmental topics as initial cases for exploration, the workshop will focus on issues that arise for expert witnesses in courtrooms, in Congressional hearings and on regulatory expert panels. The workshop report will address the roles of statisticians and of the organizations and institutions calling on them in inhibiting or enhancing ethical behavior. Material from this and later workshops will be organized into a text using a casebook format accessible to students, practitioners, and users of statistics.
