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.
c c c c c c c c c 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).
c c c c c c c c c 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. c 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 c legally authorized person in
that context and per American Psychological Association (2017, Standard
3.10(b)), their decision must be honored.
