I pray that you are having a fantastic day. Thank you so much for contacting me
concerning the ethical dilemma you have experienced. You explained that you observed
the bullying of a recruit by two staff members at a military training facility. I understand
that if you interfere, this may jeopardize your data collection.
a a a a a a a a a Observing bullying is not to be overlooked; as you stated in your letter, Principle
A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence states that psychologists strive to be helpful and
benefit individuals they work with, making sure that there is no harm involved (American
Psychological Association (APA), 2017). Also, 3.04(b) Avoiding Harm states that
psychologists shouldn’t join in torturing or inflicting pain on anyone participating in a
research study (APA, 2017).
a a a a a a a a a Your decision to remain and continue to observe may prove beneficial to the
recruits and your research. As you previously stated, this may be an isolated incident or
consistently occurring. Your continuous observation will allow you to gain more
knowledge about the incident. I pray this will help you make the right decision with your
research. First of all, I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your concern and
the urgency in this matter. The code of ethics that has been put forth by the
American Psychological Association was established so that others would not
suffer unnecessary treatment.
I completely agree with your last statement. Witnessing something such as
bullying and not saying anything about it could potentially cause this behavior to
continue among the other recruits. Noting that it was two staff members and not
just one makes this even more troubling.
I wish that could say that this is uncommon behavior. It is inappropriate, to be
sure, but I do know that if the new recruit were to speak to someone like an
officer he/she would face retribution from the drill sergeants. May I suggest that
you speak to an officer who oversees those who have committed the offense?
They would be more likely to help out in a situation like this.
Unfortunately, you may have to withdraw from the study altogether since the
practices you have witnessed are a common occurrence and do interfere with our
code of ethics as psychologists. In closing, according to APA 8.03 Informed
Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research could possibly injure the
injured party even more and should be disposed of immediately.
Thank you for contacting me in a timely manner.
Thank you for bringing this matter promptly to my attention. As you have
represented, it is indeed critical for us to be diligent in providing respect for those
who are vulnerable. In the principle regarding People's Rights and Dignity,
American Psychological Association (2017, Principle E) enforces that persons
such as your subject, who are indeed vulnerable, be protected since they are
unable to provide informed consent. In addition to that our research practices are
bound to ensure Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, American Psychological
Association (2017, Standard Principle A) which includes protecting the well being
of our participants.
You have noted that special needs individuals must experience the same access
as their peers regardless of ability. However, even if the research presents an
access opportunity for an individual, consent is still required. a To that point, you
also noted the major concern here is that the parents have refused to allow the
participation in research. While it is not clear at this point, it is likely that the
parents are acting in a legal capacity to control such decisions. Assuming that
meets the definition of a legally authorized person in that context and per
American Psychological Association (2017, Standard 3.10(b)), their decision must
be honored.
