Exploring Ethical Dimensions in AI: A Research Report

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Research, Ethics &
Professionalism in Computing
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract............................................................................................................................................1
Background......................................................................................................................................2
Research Questions..........................................................................................................................2
Literature Review............................................................................................................................3
Past developments and current situation......................................................................................3
Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
Moral responsibility in computing...............................................................................................4
Responsibilities of computing professionals related to various issues........................................5
Identifying the gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed.....................................................6
Methodology Review.......................................................................................................................7
Section 1 – Review......................................................................................................................7
Section 2 – Selection...................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
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Abstract
The current proposal in based on identifying the importance of research, ethics and
professionalism in computing. Computer ethics is one of the important branches of ethics that is
evolving at the rapid pace. It includes standards related to professional practice, various aspects
of computer laws, codes of conduct, public and corporate policies and ethics, etc related to
computing. The research supports highlighting the historical milestones along with its
introduction. In addition to this there exist number of ethical issues such as usage of technology
at workplace, privacy, professional responsibility, etc are the key points of the research.
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Background
Information systems and computers are widely used in each and every aspect of the daily life.
Advanced technology is considered highly valuable however it has certain serious ethical issues.
The topic has been chosen as information technology influence sensitive issues that in turn
directly influence its usability and usefulness. It might be difficult for various stakeholders and
users while adopting computer systems if they felt like violation of interest and values because of
its use. It becomes difficult to gain the advantage of computing systems while considering ethical
conflicts (Ben-Jacob et.al.2018). There are various factors that restrict the use of computer
systems such as expenses but at the same time ethical and professional issues do matters a lot.
The project will therefore highlight the importance of research, ethics and professionalism in
computing.
Research Questions
1. What is the moral responsibility in computing?
2. What are the major responsibilities of various computing professionals related to various
issues?
3. What are the gaps in knowledge that needs to be addressed?
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Literature Review
Past developments and current situation
Ethical considerations in the field of computing and technology successfully evolved in 1940s
and 1950s. The concept of cybernetics was combined with digital computers and at that time
Wiener draws some remarkable conclusions related to ethics and the use of technology which is
now referred to as information and communication technology. In 1950 Wiener laid foundation
of computing ethics, research and analysis with the powerful basis. In 1960s, Donn Parker from
SRI International, California initiated examination of illegal and unethical use of computers with
the help of computing professionals. In 1960s computer scientist named Joseph Weizenbaum at
MIT carry on the research and developed a computer program named ELIZA that supported
identifying moral issues related to computing. In the middle of 1970s, Walter Maner began to
use the terminology computing ethics. This refers to enquiry field that deals with ethical issues
developed by computer technology.
In 1980s there was a great rise in issues in public related to ethical consequences of computing
and information technology and this was the appropriate time to explore number of activities in
computer ethics. This encouraged many scientists and It professionals to publish influential
articles in detailed explanation about computer ethics. With this evolution, the current era has
higher focus over new courses, conferences, research centres, textbooks, etc associated with
computing ethics. Middle of 1990s is marked as the beginning of second generation. However
there is wider scope of elaborating the framework so that unforeseen influence on users and
information technology can be avoided.
Introduction
According to Lee, (2019), Computing professionals are responsible for performing wider range
of tasks such as writing specifications, designing of instruction pipelines, testing and validation
of software systems and many more. They are liable to perform all such related tasks in concise
manner as their decision making largely influence functionality and overall performance of the
system and this puts wither positive or negative influence on users directly. Computing
professionals are therefore restricted to certain obligations which are known as professional
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ethics. This explains selection of appropriate actions and in context to computing, professionals
must show honest, kind, fair, trustworthy and respectful behavior. In addition to this, they are
also responsible for maintaining desired relationship with employers, clients, public and other
stakeholders.
Further ethical obligation to computing professionals is also related to complying with various
regulations and laws because laws often lag behind with the advancement of technology. For an
example, with the existence of Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, computing
professionals must be aware of they are responsible for protecting the privacy of user’s personal
information. Kowal and Roztocki, (2015) stated that research also plays an important role in
enhancing the knowledge of computing professionals and therefore to maintain the code of
conduct while undertaking various activities, it is important for computing professionals to
undergo thorough research so as to avoid mishaps in future.
Moral responsibility in computing
Evans, (2017) identifies that responsibility in computing can be categorized as role
responsibility, legal responsibility, and moral responsibility. Role responsibility can be defined as
the role that has been assigned to an individual related to specific task and functions. For an
example, Therac 25 manufactured cancer treatment machine that operates with software
controlling. Malfunctioning of the machine led to three death and serious injuries. In this system
engineers and developers are responsible as they were assigned the responsibility of software and
hardware designing. They however completed the assigned work but at the same time they failed
to fulfill their professional responsibility.
In addition to this, legal responsibility is also termed as strict liability. It states that if the product
designed by computing professionals harm users in any manner then manufacturers such as
designers or developers are liable for the caused damage as per the lawsuit. This is the case even
if the product met all the safety standards. Such type of responsibility encourages professionals
to be careful and also provides way for minimizing the chances of accidents. McCall and Baillie,
(2017) said that Moral responsibility is considered above all as it has higher focus over shared
responsibility. For an example, not only safety engineers are responsible for ensuring safety of
the employees working in plant but all the engineers are equally responsible. Moral
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responsibility has higher focus over learning from current mistakes so that future mishaps can be
avoided.
It has been identified that responsibility is considered as a sharing factor where multiple number
of individuals collaborate to form a group in processes or tasks like software development.
According to Mehdiabadi and Li (2017), every member of the team is responsible for decision
making as it largely influence the performance of others. For an instance, network monitoring
team has made error while undertaking statistical analysis of traffic data and this has badly
influence the entire interpretation of final outcome. In this context team members hold
responsibility of seeking the help of statistician or to inform report readers about their mistake
and appropriate corrections. In addition to this, computing professionals are liable for both action
and failing towards the act.
Responsibilities of computing professionals related to various issues
Rashid, (2015) stated that Computing professionals are not only responsible for enhancing trust
of customers and users but they must also show responsible behavior towards employers, other
professionals and public. Computing professionals are liable to perform the assigned task as per
the defined professional standards that include technical excellence, along with social efforts
towards operators, public and other users. For an example, they must focus on reporting findings
in accurate and honest manner. In addition to this, they must consider client’s specification and
the factors that affect the overall quality of user’s life and others. They must wisely choose the
resources so as to maintain the work profitability along with quality of the systems in terms of
functionality and reliability.
As per Shilton and Anderson, (2017), Computing professionals must show desired respect to
other professionals. For an example, of one professional utilizes the idea of other professionals
then first professional must provide credit to the other one. This can be further understood by
considering the evaluation of work by other professionals as customers might not be able to
evaluate the quality of professional services being offered. This type of evaluation is known as
peer review both in research and practicality. Research in computing is being presented at
various conferences so that it can be reviewed by peers who are actually subject experts.
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Senior professionals within the organization have an obligation to assist or mentor sub ordinates
or junior professionals in similar industry. Luo, (2016) stated that Junior member’s inspite of
higher education requires additional learning experience for the development of professional
judgement. In addition to this, computing professionals possess certain responsibilities towards
the public. As per the engineering code of ethics, it is essential for engineers to fulfil obligations
related to health, welfare and safety of the public. Computing professionals in this context are
liable to enhance the quality of life with the help of innovative technology in terms of
information systems and computers. They must pay attention on understanding the computing
needs of public and must also focus on enhancing their knowledge on how to operate computing
systems. Responsibility of educating public is considered as collective responsibility of various
computing professionals however individual might fulfil the responsibility in their own ways.
Computing professionals must include their technical knowledge within discussions related to
public policies associated with computing. There are several communities that consider
controversial measures that includes web filtering software installation on computers that are
publically accessed with the help of computers. Kizza, (2016) said that Professionals can also
participate in decision making by communities by providing them with technical facts
Identifying the gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed
While designing or implementing computing systems, computing professionals must make sure
that products are used in socially responsible manner and also focuses on minimizing harmful
impacts to health and welfare. Friedman and Kahn Jr, (2017) identified that while development
of computing systems, professionals must make sure that products do not harm the global or
local environment in any manner. In addition to this, software or systems developed must not
harm to others in terms of loss of information, undesirable environment impact, etc. This
principle limits the utilization of computing technology and harms the users such as employers,
public and employees. Harmful actions include destruction and alteration in existing files, loss of
resources needs to be addressed. In addition to this, there are certain other components that are
essentially to be addressed includes honesty, trustworthy, avoiding discrimination while taking
decisions, applying property rights such as patent, copyrights, etc., providing credit to
intellectual properties, respecting privacy of others as well as confidentiality.
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Methodology Review
The research project is structured procedure that focuses on specific agendas based on some aims
and objectives. Most of the research project uses research onion for execution of research project
in an effective manner (Quinlan et.al.2019) This is the generic framework that supports the
researcher to identify the most appropriate research techniques while conducting the study. In
addition to this, it supports unfurling type of research paradigms, designs as well as approaches
for collecting information relevant to the study. Analysis methods are also exhibited in the
research onion model.
Section 1 – Review
Research Approaches
Research approaches are procedures and the plans for research that expand the steps of wider
assumption to elaborated methods of data collection as well as analysis and interpretation. It
includes number of decisions which are not essentially to be taken in order or sequence. The
selection of research approach is on the basis of nature of research problem that are to be
addressed in the current research. There are mainly three types of research approaches that
include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Qualitative approach: This is an approach that supports understanding and exploring the group
or individuals related to social or human issues. This type of approach includes emerging
questions along with number of procedures, participants for collecting the data, analysis of data
with the help of themes, and interpretation based on collected data (Koro-Ljungberg, 2015). It
further includes final report with flexible structure. This is the description based approach under
which researcher has higher focus over observation and conducting interviews. Observation of
people is recorded and is further analysed with the help of various Qualitative methods.
Quantitative Approach: The approach supports testing objective theories with the help of
identifying relationship between various variables. Further variables are measured on specific
instruments that provide numerical data which is further analysed with the help of statistical
procedures (Vannini, 2015). The overall report has defined structure that includes introduction,
theories and literature works, various methods, outcomes and discussions. In other words, it
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involves various questions that are answered by respondents in numbers. Researchers mostly use
surveys or experiments for collecting the data and which is then analysed with the help of
statistical models for drawing final outcome.
Research Techniques
There exists number of data collection techniques in both qualitative and quantitative research
methods which are as follows:
Case Study: The case study is one of the popular methods of qualitative data collection that has
higher focus over observing social units such as institution, family, individual, etc. Researcher
can consider a situation to study the topic in a comprehend manner (Hancock and Algozzine,
2016). It includes in depth analysis of the case study that has higher focus on analysing limited
number of conditions along with their interrelationship. The main objective of the case study
method is to allocate the factors that account behaviour patterns.
Interview: Research interview is the qualitative data collection that includes structured,
unstructured and semi structured. The main objective of research interviews is to explore beliefs,
views, and experiences of others on specific matters. Interviews are considered as one of the
most appropriate that support collecting insights from number of individual participants. The
technique includes open ended questions that require answers with detailed description however
the questions must be understandable and shows sensitivity towards the topic.
Questionnaire: This includes series of questions so that information can be collected with the
help of respondents. It is a type of quantitative data collection method and can also be termed as
written interview. It includes close ended questions that includes multiple choice option
questions (Brace, 2018). Responses are further analysed with the help of pie charts, percentage
calculation and bar charts. The data with the help of questionnaire is collected with the help of
mail, telephone and other sources of communication.
Focus Groups: This is the qualitative research technique that is mainly used for marketing
purposes. It majorly consists of participants in smaller number within the organizational target
market. It includes collecting data from participants in terms of open ended responses related to
their feelings and thoughts. Using this technique, investigator poses questions that support
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collecting insights related to brand, images, product, symbols, slogans or concepts. Focus-group
moderators pose questions in such a way that it does not lead members to provide responses
however it supports collecting insightful and honest responses.
Observation: The technique is used for collecting the data and is used in qualitative research
method. It supports converting observation of number of individuals or groups along with their
behaviour in some specific situation (Nardi, 2018). The method is mostly used in cases where the
current information collected with the help of founds to be insufficient to draw the outcome.
Researcher in such situation utilise relevant information in terms of behaviour which is further
explained with the help of observation. The process is advantageous in terms of direct
accessibility to the research phenomenon, along with higher flexibility levels in terms of
application as well as generation of permanent record that can be referred in future.
Analysis Methods
Statistical Analysis: Quantitative research makes use of Statistical Analysis method for
developing connection between past and future learning by the research. It is classified as
descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics supports drawing
interferences about broader population so that various parameters can be estimated. Inferential
statistics is largely based on descriptive statistics along with assumptions that generalise the
specific population based on the selected sample (Crowder, 2017). Therefore Quantitative
data use this method for testing the hypothesis. It includes deductive approach of reasoning that
includes exploration of theories, and observation with the help of statistical data.
Thematic Analysis: Qualitative research makes use of inductive approach under which
secondary data is analysed to derive themes and concepts. This type of approach includes
combination of secondary data, creating links among research objectives with outcomes from the
raw data. It further develops theory on the basis of experience. Thematic analysis however does
not focus on testing hypothesis. It in reality presents experiences and perception of respondents
and also supports examining the effects of such experiences.
Section 2 – Selection
Based on the above discussion of research methodologies, the current project will select
Quantitative Approach for collecting and analysing the data. The method is chosen as it is based
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on analysing the numbers that support accuracy and reliability of the data. Quantitative research
is selected as it is based on statistics, as well as numerical data. In addition to this, it has several
other advantages. Outcomes of this type of research are easy to calculate and outcomes can be
drawn with the help of objective data (Vaismoradi et.al.2016). It will use questionnaire as the
research technique with closed ended questions based on the topic. The main advantage of using
the technique is that it includes larger number of individuals who can be accessed in an
economical and relatively fast manner. Answers are also easy to analyse with the help of
statistical analysis. Statistical analysis is used because of its higher accuracy and reliability in
terms of final outcome.
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