How to Report to the Ethical Board for Sociologists

Sociologists often work in college settings.

Sociologists, unlike psychologists, are usually not licensed by the state. Sociologists work in a variety of settings such as in the government, at universities, and at private research industries. Many sociologists hold master's degrees and higher. A national board provides ethical standards for members to adhere to. The American Sociological Association (ASA) accepts complaints from the general public concerning an ethics violation from one of its members. If the incident happened within the past 18 months, you can file a report with the ASA's ethical committee.

Instructions

1. Call 202-383-9005 and ask to speak to a representative from the Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE). Explain the situation to the representative. He will then decide if you have a case to file a formal complaint.

2. Review the standards of ethics. If COPE feels your complaint is warranted, they will mail you a copy of the Code of Ethics. Find the exact section in the code that you believe the sociologist violated.

3. Type a formal complaint in a business letter format. Any report of ethical violations will have to be in writing. Include your name and address. Complaints cannot be anonymous.

4. Include the sociologist's name and address. Reference the provision in the Code of Ethics that you believed the sociologist violated. Be detailed in your complaint adding exactly what happened, dates, times, places and any other witnesses. The CODE normally accepts only complaints that happened within the past 18 months. If the incident happened longer than 18 months ago, explain why the 18 month statute of limitation should be waived.

5. State if there has been any other legal or institutional proceedings initiated and the status of these actions. If no such action has been taken, make a statement to that effect in your letter.

6. Sign your letter and keep a copy for your records. Mail to:

   American Sociological Association

   1430 K Street, NW - Suite 600

   Washington, DC 20005

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Sociologists and Political Scientists
• American Sociological Association: Committee on Professional Ethics
• American Sociological Association: ASA Code of Ethics