2.3 Good computing reports for computer ethics  (Page 2/4)

Normative Methodology:

The Software Development Cycle (SDC) arises out of the analogy between design and problem solving in ethics.The core sections of Good Computing Reports are based on its four stages of problem specification, solution generation, solutiontesting, and solution implementation.

Problem specification: This stage requires specifying the socio-technical system that influences the softwarein question, recognizing the values embodied in the system, and uncovering the conflicts between these values, for example, betweenefficiency and safety.

Solution generation: This stage requires resolving value conflicts by changing the design or requirements,or by recommending change to other aspects of the socio-technical system. Brainstorming forms an essential part of this stage.

Solution Testing: The solutions developed in the second stage must be tested in terms of ethics tests(reversibility, harm/beneficence, and public identification) and a code test.

Solution implementation: The chosen solution must be examined in terms of how well it responds to varioussituational constraints that could impede its implementation. What will be its costs? Can it be implemented within necessary timeconstraints? Does it honor recognized technical limitations or does it require pushing these back through innovation and discovery?Does it comply with legal and regulatory requirements? Finally, how does it respond to the general social and political conditionssurrounding implementation?

Empirical Methodology:

This stage employs various methods for collecting and reviewing data including (1) constructingquestionnaires and surveys, (2) holding open and structured interviews with clients and stakeholders, (3) employing methods ofparticipatory observation including on-site visits and day-in-the-life scenarios, and (4) conducting archival researchthat includes online searches and reading operating manuals.

Basic Format of the Report: This report has nine sections that include the following: (a) executive summary,(b) problem specification, (c) solution generation, (d) solution testing, (e) solution implementation, (f) documenting ethical datacollection, (g) readers guide, (h) methodological appendix, (i) group self-evaluation. These stages are set forth in the followingdescription that includes tables and matrices.

1. Executive Summary (From Huff,“Practical Guidance):

One or two page summary of the report thatincludes (1) description of the report and of the system, (2) discussion of the significant issues discovered, (3) list of thetop recommendations highlighted on the page (keyed to page numbers in the longer report). The idea is to provide a summary that anexecutive can read in 5 to 10 minutes to get the basic information about the report.

2. SDC: Problem Specification

2a. Identify the values embedded in the system and the STS component in which they are specifically located. Usethis table and then add a detailed written explanation.