Dear [senior research advisor],
b b b b I am a graduate student conducting research on the induction processes within a military training
environment. b I am reaching out to you in regards to an ethical dilemma I am facing within my research study. b
Upon my investigation, I have witnessed severe bullying of new military recruits through the process of hazing. b
The bullying is both physically and emotionally detrimental to the personnel involved. b It will affect my findings if
I was to interfere with the hazing, but I also believe it’s important for me to ensure that I’m not facilitating harm
per section 3.04(b) (Human Relations- Avoiding Harm) of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct (American Psychological Association, 2022).
b b b b Because my research involves investigating the induction process of military training, it is pertinent that I’m
able to identify any bullying that may naturally occur. If I do not allow myself to identify this, then the entire
research study would become invalid. Nevertheless, as referenced, I do have an obligation to ensure I’m not
engaging in the intentional cruel and degrading behaviors that I have witnessed. b I have weighed the problems
and benefits as to decide whether or not I should continue my research or stop the bullying. b While this is a
difficult ethical dilemma, I believe that it is best that I continue with my study.
b b b b I am using a naturalistic approach to gather information and I am not mistreating anyone that I research. b
With that said, I do believe I should offer therapeutic services to the new military recruits as outlined in section
10.04 which covers ‘Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others (American Psychological Association, 2022).’ b
I think it’s in the participants' best interest to receive therapeutic counseling from an outside party. b This will
give them an opportunity to openly discuss what they have experienced. b This could also provide additional
information as we will be able to take at look at the personal effects and viewpoints of those who were involved.
b b b b One of the final pieces of my research will be to conduct a debriefing with both the leadership and new
recruits that I studied. b This will give me an opportunity to better explain the intentions of my research, my
findings, and any professional suggestions that I may have. b Debriefing is a crucial aspect to research as stated
in section 8.08 which outlines the debriefing process. b Part of this is taking reasonable steps to decrease the
harm that I have become aware of in my study (American Psychological Association, 2022). b My overall
professional opinion is that we need to continue the study to better identify and address the bullying that occurs
in the induction process of military training. b This will allow me to make educated decisions on how to best
address it, and then to bring this information forward to everyone involved.
I appreciate your time, and hope that we can discuss whether or not you agree that it is feasible for me to move
forward with this scientific research.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Elliott
b b b b b b b b b b
References
American Psychological Association. (2022). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index
