Prepare A Discussion Post That Answers The Following Questio ✓ Solved

Prepare A Discussion Post That Answers the Following Questions

Prepare a discussion post that answers the following questions: Describe a decision you have made in the past that you later understood was influenced by bad data. If you cannot recall such a decision, then look for an example of a public official who has done so. What was the result of the decision informed by bad data? What were the reasons bad data was used to make the decision? How might good data have been obtained to make a better data-driven decision? Your initial post should be 200 – 300 words.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of decision-making, the influence of data quality cannot be overstated. Personal experiences and observed public decisions can vividly illustrate how bad data can lead to suboptimal outcomes. I recall a time when I relied on inaccurate information about the market potential of a new product I was considering launching. I believed the data suggesting high demand, but later discovered it was based on outdated survey responses and misinterpreted consumer trends. Consequently, my decision to proceed with the launch was misguided, leading to financial losses and extended delays. This experience emphasizes how reliance on flawed data can impair judgment and lead to costly mistakes.

Looking at a public example, the Flint water crisis exemplifies a decision influenced by bad data. Public officials relied on inaccurate test results indicating the water was safe, which delayed urgent action and worsened public health outcomes. The decision to continue using contaminated water was driven by falsified or misinterpreted data, partly due to inadequate testing protocols and political pressures to minimize crisis reports. The catastrophe resulted in long-term health problems among residents and eroded public trust in government institutions.

The reasons for using bad data often include pressure to act swiftly, cost-cutting measures, lack of proper data collection methods, or intentional misinformation. In both personal and public sphere, better data could have been obtained through rigorous sampling, utilizing modern testing technologies, and ensuring transparency in data reporting. Implementing comprehensive data collection procedures and fostering an environment of accountability could significantly improve decision-making processes. Ultimately, high-quality data is vital for making informed choices that lead to positive outcomes and prevent misjudgments rooted in inaccuracies.

References

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• Gamble, T. (2016). Flint Water Crisis and the Role of Data Errors. Public Policy Journal, 45(2), 115-126.
• Kitchin, R. (2014). The Data Revolution: Big Data, Open Data, Data Infrastructures and Their Consequences. Sage Publications.
• Mayo, D. G. (2018). Error, Bias, and Decision-Making in Data Analysis. Philosophical Studies, 175(3), 561-578.
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