Code of Conduct for Psychonomic Society Meetings,

Events, & Workshops

May 2024

Overview
The Psychonomic Society (PS) is dedicated to creating a safe and productive setting for meetings, events, and workshops while providing a valuable platform for the presentation and discussion of diverse scientific perspectives in a structured, respectful, and equitable format.

We advocate for equal treatment and opportunities for all attendees, maintaining a space free from harassment and discrimination. Respectful and considerate behavior towards others is expected, alongside compliance with venue regulations. Attendees are encouraged to promptly notify staff or security of any situations or individuals in need.

Speakers are also urged to adhere to principles of scientific integrity and professional ethics, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., financial support from an evaluated product) to PS staff before the event.

What is Harassment?
The Society strictly prohibits all forms of harassment, whether of a sexual nature or otherwise, and urges immediate reporting of such incidents by victims and witnesses.

For purposes of this policy, “harassment” refers to unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Harassment becomes unlawful where the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

While generally not prohibited by law, PS nevertheless also prohibits bullying behavior at its events and considers bullying to be a form of harassment. PS defines bullying as repeated inappropriate behavior, whether verbal, physical, cyber or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another that is hurtful, harmful, humiliating or exhibits coercion or abuse of power, as well as any other unreasonably disruptive behavior such as sustained disruption of talks, events or meetings.

In scientific exchanges and communication, critical analysis of beliefs and viewpoints is not inherently hostile or harassing. Likewise, employing sexual imagery or language within a professional discussion of such topics does not necessarily qualify as harassment.

Rules
Everyone is expected to act professionally and respectfully. All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, contractors, guests, and staff must follow our conduct rules:

• Refuse to accept or condone all forms of discrimination, abuse, bullying or demeaning behavior, harassment, and retaliation against those reporting a violation of these rules in good faith.
• Exercise consideration and respect in speech and actions, communicating openly, and critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
• Show respect for differences in gender, age, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, educational background, religion, political affiliation, nationality, or any characteristic protected by law.
• Honor intellectual property rights. Give appropriate credit.
  

Participating in PS activities is a privilege, not a right. Our aim is to support scientific discussion in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Your cooperation in maintaining these standards is crucial.

Reporting Violations/Intervention
Please report any harassment, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior experienced or witnessed during the meeting or event to any designated senior PS staff, and any officer of the Society, or via email at reporting@psychonomic.org as soon as possible. Reports will be made available to PS staff, the Executive Committee or its representative, and potentially a security consultant. Reports may also be made directly to legal authorities or hotel/venue security staff.

All reports are confidential unless disclosure is required by law. If possible, provide the following information, preferably in writing:

• Identifying information (name, appearance) of the violator.
• The behavior that was in violation.
• The approximate time of the behavior.
• The circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Full contact information of the reporting party (complainant).
• Full contact information of the victim (if different from the reporting party)
• Other people involved in or witnessing the incident.
  

We encourage reporting incidents within 10 working days to facilitate the timely collection of witness statements.

Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to the right, or visit the Incident Reporting Form, to register a harassment or complaint through our secure reporting platform.

Investigation Procedure

• If the complainant hasn’t yet filed a formal complaint, they will be asked to do so in writing.
• PS staff and the Executive Committee or its representative will determine if we need to outsource the investigation to our security consultant or handle it internally.
• Under the supervision of the Executive Committee or its representative, PS staff or the security consultant will interview the complainant and then the alleged offender. These will be documented in a report for the PS records to ensure complaints are addressed.
• The name of the complainant will be kept confidential in the report and insofar as possible in communicating with the alleged offender.
• PS will seek legal counsel if the appropriate course of action is unclear.
• PS will notify the individual filing the complaint regarding any action taken.
• PS staff who believe they have a conflict of interest will disclose this to the Executive Committee.
  

Sanctions
Possible sanctions include verbal warning, ejection from the meeting without warning or refund, suspension or expulsion from the Society, and notification of authorities and the offender’s employer. PS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future PS event.

Additionally, despite the investigation procedure outlined above, PS also reserves the right to immediately remove any individual that appears to pose a threat to the safety and security of the PS event.

Retaliation/Whistleblower Protection
Retaliation against individuals who file a complaint in good faith is unacceptable. PS may apply sanctions in response to retaliation even if no violation is found.

Appeal and Questions
If the complainant or offender is unsatisfied with the investigation outcome, they can appeal to the chair of the Governing Board of their grievance in writing.

Adoption and Amendment
These procedures will be effective upon adoption by the PS Governing Board and may be amended by the Governing Board. These procedures should be reviewed by the Ethics Committee periodically and amendments recommended to the Governing Board as appropriate.

Questions
Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the current chair of the Ethics committee.