consent bias
Should college students be able to opt out of data sharing?
Institutions considering allowing students to opt out of data sharing should consider very carefully whether this may create or further amplify inequities faced by learners. Known as consent bias, the problem is that those students who choose to opt out (or decide not to opt in) may differ systematically, such that the conclusions or actions taken based on the data will unfairly bias one of the groups of students. At the moment, students generally don't feel they can control access to the data their college collects about them. According to the Student Voice survey conducted this summer by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, with support from Kaplan, only 22 percent of students believed they could restrict access to this, while 9 percent did not and the vast majority -- 69 percent -- weren't sure. Student Voice explores higher education from the perspective of students, providing unique insights on their attitudes and opinions. Kaplan provides funding and insights to support Inside Higher Ed's coverage of student polling data from College Pulse.