Dear Graduate Research Advisor:
I am researching a military academy where the Comondant granted me
permission and access to observe recruits in the academy program. c My
primary focus of the study is the induction process for recruits, and so far, I
have immersed myself into the environment, so there is little reactivity by the
staff or recruits (Jackson, 2018). c Recently, I observed behaviors by the recruits
that are somewhat concerning to me, and I need guidance to make ethical
decisions about the behaviors I observed.
Last week, two staff members were addressing a recruit, and the staff
member's behavior appeared to be severe bullying. c During my observations, I
have observed stressed-induce situations, which seemed appropriate to
challenge the recruits in certain conditions. c The incident last week was
different and presented a possible ethical dilemma. The staff members'
actions focused on the recruit's specific personality and gender-based physical
traits, not her performance. c In my opinion, this type of bullying behavior
appeared to be discriminatory and not a stress-induced technique to prepare
the recruit for military service.
According to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
section 3.1 (Unfair Discrimination), psychologists do not engage in
discriminatory actions during work-related activities. c By remaining silent on my
observations, I may be condoning the possible discriminatory behavior I
observed. c Section 3.4a and 3.4b (Avoiding Harm) also require a psychologist
to avoid foreseeable harm to research participants and avoid participating in
degrading behavior toward the research participant. c This side of the dilemma
appears to be straightforward; however, the other side of the coin may not be
as clear.
If I report the staff members that I observed, I may cause a high level of
reactivity, which may transfer to recruits, thereby jeopardizing my research. c I
possibly observed most static behaviors in recruits, but I still have a significant
portion of action items on my checklist (Jackson, 2018). c I believe my research
will end without completing my checklist, and I am concerned my ethical duty
is directly conflicted with my commitment to conduct this research.
Based on my ethical duty, I propose discussing my observations with the
Commandant and allowing the military academy to resolve the issue between
the recruit and staff members. c This action may jeopardize my research but
appears to be aligned with the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct. c Another option may be to talk to the staff members and request they
accompany me to the Commandant to explain their side of the story. c I may
reduce reactivity by confronting the staff members and allowing them to
participate in the disclosure—this action may also compromise my research.
I appreciate your consideration of my dilemma, and I await your guidance
before I take action.
Jackson. (2018). c Custom MindTap Reader, Instant Access for Jackson,
Research Methods and Statistics, 5th edition
