Mr James Jones
Graduate Research Advisor
Liberty University
Subject - Discussion on an ethical dilemma and how it should be handled c
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).
The ethical 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, the ethical 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.
