Scenario: During the course of investigating induction processes in a
military training establishment, you witness what appeared to be severe
bullying of a new recruit by two of the staff. If you interfere you may
jeopardize your data collection and the integrity of your research.
Dear Dr. John Smith,
I hope this letter finds you well; at the same time,I wanted to thank you
for allowing me to conduct my research. Recently I have been operating
under the authorized research procedure (APA, 2017, p 2). I have spent a
vast amount of time at the U.S. Army Garrison-Miami base in Florida.
Furthermore, I have been collecting data over the past two months in
regarding the conduct of the incoming (female) military personnel (ages
18-25) during the induction processes. At the same time, I have been
examining their behavior daily to determine if any can indicate PTSD or
post-traumatic stress disorder. I need the sample size to illustrate a
significant pattern using the induction process. I am utilizing this base
because of the large population size. According to the Code of Ethics
Section 2 (Competence), subsection 2.04 under the Bases for Scientific
and Professional Judgments, my profession is established on the
knowledge of this subject matter (APA, 2017, p 3).
Furthermore, I adhere to the code of ethics and seriously take my work. I
have extensive training since I have worked since 2015 with the Army
Health Clinic SOUTHCOM military personnel in Florida. As a Psychologist, I
strive for complete adherence to policies and always act ethically.
Therefore, I wanted to inform you that I witnessed a recruit being bullied
by two members of the military base staff. Psychologists take reasonable
steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees,
research participants, organizational clients, and others with whom they
work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable
(APA,2017, p 6). Therefore, I will be reporting this ethical violation under
sub-section 1.05 (APA, 2017, p 2). I fear that it would jeopardize the
integrity of my research and collected data. A hostile work environment
exists when employees are subjected to continued harassment,
discrimination, or intimidation, making it challenging to complete their
jobs. A hostile work environment includes but is not limited to harsh joking
or language, physical touching, suggestive remarks, sexually suggestive
photos on display, and other conduct that can make others uncomfortable
or offended. (APA, 2017, p 3)
Therefore, I would like you to consider that I may with the Sergeant in
charge of the U.S Army Garrison. Bullying is unwanted, aggressive
behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance among
individuals. The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated
over time. Therefore, under the Code of Ethics Section 3. This conduct will
interfere and is likely to skew my results. It would interfere because I
cannot test if the behaviors are due to a predisposition to PTSD or the
response to bullying. Your input in this matter is essential for my research.
Lastly, thank you for your support in this matter. Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their labor. (Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV)
References
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (1992).
(1992). Https://Www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/code-1992
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2021, November 5). What is
bullying. StopBullying.gov. Retrieved January 28, 2022, from
https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/what-is-bullying
ECCLESIASTES 4:9 KJV Ҧ Two are better then one; because they haue a
good reward for their labour.” (n.d.). Www.kingjamesbibleonline.org.
Retrieved January 28, 2022, from
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611_Ecclesiastes-4-9/#:~:text=Ec
clesiastes%204%3A9%20%E2%80%9C%C2%B6%20Two%20are%20better
%20then%20one%3B
