Performing quantitative analysis requires significant mental energy.
Dr. Robert Freeborough
Performing quantitative analysis requires significant mental energy. There are many steps necessary during the process to arrive at valid statistical outputs. Additionally, Christian quantitative researchers must learn how to use the tools and understand the analysis, formulate research experiments, and understand the data. Seeking God’s will for what topics to research and what to do with the findings can honor God and help accomplish his work on earth.
Benefits of Quantitive Analysis
Statistics allows a greater understanding of a subject and can help make better-informed decisions. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Luke 14:28). Formulating hypothesizes and designing research questions requires much forethought and should be done with careful consideration to ensure the outcomes are meaningful. Through statistical modeling, better ways to honor God through our work can be uncovered. Keller (2012) posits that the gospel helps to see our surrounding environment in a new light. However, it takes time to grasp and absorb this new knowledge into how we live and engage in our vocations. To design effective, meaningful, and accurate quantitative analysis, one must first take the time to study and understand the minute details of mathematical and statistical modeling.
Honesty and Integrity
Statisticians must practice ethical behavior. Most scientific professions, including quantitative analysis, have implemented ethical standards for accomplishing scientific work (Elliott et al., 2018). Knowing how to use the tools and manipulate data could unscrupulously lead to misinformation and cause harm. Conventional advice on quantitative analysis and ethics concentrates on professional integrity, responsibility, and accountability to colleagues and research subjects (Gelman, 2018). Accordingly, Quants must ensure that their data and findings are true and accurate. Christian quantitative researchers have a moral obligation to create work products of high quality and embolden excellence even if the result of high ethics is a loss of margin (Keller, 2012). Statistics uses numerical data to draw intelligent conclusions, predict reliable data, and make reasonable conclusions. “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1 Thessalonians 4:6). Quantitative analysis relies heavily on deciding which tests to run and even in how the data is interpreted. A solid moral compass rooted in Christian values can help make decisions about data and help ensure the final results please God.
Individual professional ethics take on a collective effect, albeit for good or ill, on the larger common good (Keller, 2012). For example, sloppily performed analysis or data with known undisclosed errors is dangerous and spreads misinformation. Alternatively, good data that is sound and valid can help shape man’s perception and create new knowledge. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1 Thessalonians 4:6). God is keenly aware of the problems his children can face at work, and his plan teaches about how challenging work should be handled. Prescribing to the principles of the gospel and adhering to ethical standards will always ensure that challenging situations are met correctly.
Conclusion
The science of quantitative analysis is challenging but worthwhile, as this has the potential to reveal new information and change the course of humanity. Christian quantitative researchers have a moral obligation to learn to execute their work flawlessly and with respect for the data and outcomes. Guidance from on high for what to research and strength to maintain high ethics is paramount.
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