I write to you with concern for a particular situation I am faced with in
collecting data that arose while witnessing the induction process held at a
military training facility. This situation involved the bullying of a recruit by two
members of the staff. I believe this could possibly jeopardize my data
collection and the integrity of my research. I have included two ethically viable
responses where I am in need of your guidance. c
The first response is found in Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence. As
a psychologist, one of my chief concerns is the welfare of the recruit who was
bullied. This principle includes the effects the bullying may have on a person’s
physical and mental health.
According to the APA Code of Conduct, this behavior falls under 3.04 (b)
Avoiding Harm.
Due in part to the fact that psychologists do not engage in any activity that
involves inflicting torture that involves cruel or inhuman degrading behavior. c
In order to safeguard new recruits for this study, I continue to observe and see
if this behavior is common among other staff members or if this is a general
occurrence. Based on my observations, I will determine whether this is a viable
research opportunity and may seek another location to avoid another situation
similar to this. c
The second response is found in Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and
Dignity. Bullying preys on those who are vulnerable. Psychologists do not
condone such practices. New recruits fall into this category. Since they arrive
without any previous knowledge of what they will face, they are in a sense like
sheep. They arrive without knowing what will take place and are solely
dependent on the knowledge of the staff to understand their new surroundings.
The APA Code of Conduct 3.01 Unfair Discrimination. Psychologists do not
participate in unfair discrimination that may include: age, gender, gender
identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, or socioeconomic status. c
I will continue to observe the behavior of the two staff members to see if there
is a correlation to one of the above-mentioned discriminatory factors. I will also
observe the behavior of other staff members to see if they act similarly to the
staff members that were witnessed severely bullying a new recruit or if it was
an isolated incident. c
Your attention is greatly appreciated in this matter so that I am able to decide
on any further actions concerning my research.
Thank you for your time,
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists
and code of conduct. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from
https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
