Mr James Jones
Graduate Research Advisor
Liberty University
Subject - Discussion on an ethical dilemma and how it should be handled
Dear Sir,
I am writing this letter to discuss a serious ethical dilemma that I am facing while
investigating the induction process in a military training establishment.
Scenario
The scenario basically involves severe bullying of a new recruit by two of the staff
members. The matter is of serious concern because it is a serious form of
harassment for the victim that may affect him physically and/or mentally (LaVan &
Martin, 2021). Even though I want to interfere and speak up for the victim but I am
afraid it may jeopardize the data collection method and the integrity of the research
process.
For addressing the ethical dilemma, I have presented two ethically viable responses
that can help to address the problem.
Response 1 – Talking about the incident with the head of the military training
establishment
The response involves bringing the bullying issue to the notice of the most
authoritative person in the establishment so that he can take appropriate action
against the bullies. The key principle from the APA Code of Conduct that is most at
stake in the specific scenario is justice. Justice and fairness are viral for every
person. However, the new recruit is not being treated in a just and fair way by the
staff since he is new in the establishment (American Psychological Association,
2016).
Theethical standard from the APA Code of Conduct which is appropriate in the
specific scenario is 1.05 – ‘Reporting Ethical Violations’. Since the bullying incident
might lead to potential harm to the victim, it is necessary to take action to resolve the
matter before it can give rise to serious consequences (American Psychological
Association, 2016, p. 6). By talking about the matter with an authoritative figure, it will
be possible to keep them informed about the wrong practices that are taking place
by the staff members.
Response 2 – Engaging with the victim and suggesting him to report the
incident
The response involves talking with the new recruit who is being bullied and
suggesting him to discuss the incident with the appropriate authority of the military
training establishment. The principle from the APA Code of Conduct that is most at
stake in the specific scenario is ‘respect for people’s rights and dignity’ (American
Psychological Association, 2021). Due to the severe bullying the fundamental rights
of the individual is being compromised. Thus it is necessary for him to take a stand
for himself and ensure that his rights and not being violated.
In the specific scenario, theethical standard from the APA Code of Conduct that is
appropriate is 3.04 – ‘Avoiding harm.’ It is necessary for psychologists to take
reasonable steps to ensure that students, clients, or others are not harmed. In the
specific situation, by engaging with the new recruit and suggesting him to talk to an
authoritative figure in the establishment, his risk of being harmed due to bullying can
be minimized (American Psychological Association, 2021).
Yours Sincerely
References
American Psychological Association. (2016). Revision of Ethical Standard 3.04 of
the" Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct"(2002, as amended
2010).The American Psychologist,71(9), 900.
American Psychological Association. (2021).Ethical principles of psychologists and
code of conduct. American Psychological Association. Retrieved January 27, 2022,
from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code?item=3
LaVan, H., & Martin, W. M. (2021). Ethical challenges in workplace bullying and
harassment: Creating ethical awareness and sensitivity.Concepts, Approaches and
Methods, 163-193.
