The Hoffman Report is the informal name for the 2015 investigation into the American Psychological Association’s (APA) practices regarding its relaxing of ethical standards for psychologists involved in torture interrogations. The full name for the report is, Independent Review Relating to APA Ethics Guidelines, National Security Interrogations, and Torture. It was authored by attorneys David Hoffman, Danielle Carter, Cara Viglucci Lopez, Heather Benzmiller, Ava Guo, Yasir Latifi and Daniel Craig of the law firm, Sidley Austin, LLP.
It was an extensive investigation spanning 6 months that reviewed over 50,000 documents and conducted over 200 interviews with 148 people. The report notes that, “Although most individuals were quite cooperative and willing to meet with us, that sentiment was not universal, and there were several individuals who declined to meet with us or did not respond to our requests.” Also, “This inquiry is made more difficult by the amount of time that has elapsed since the important events occurred. The key events relating to the APA task force report occurred 10 to 11 years ago, and the events relating to the ethics code revision occurred 13 to 19 years ago.” The independent investigation resulted in a 542-page final report.
We will continuously update this Special Report throughout the week as new analysis and reactions are published regarding the Hoffman Report.
Independent Review Relating to APA Ethics Guidelines, National Security Interrogations, and Torture (PDF) July 2, 2015
The Hoffman Report: Background & Introduction July 2, 2015
Press Release and Recommended Actions: Independent Review Cites Collusion Among APA Individuals and Defense Department Officials in Policy on Interrogation Techniques American Psychological Association July 10, 2015
Outside Psychologists Shielded U.S. Torture Program, Report FindsThe New York Times July 10, 2015
The Hoffman Report: After Years of Lies, Who Holds the APA Accountable? John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 11, 2015
US torture doctors could face charges after report alleges post-9/11 ‘collusion’The Guardian July 11, 2015
American Psychological Associations Ethics Office Seems to be Toothless, Lazy John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 12, 2015
PsySR Responds to Hoffman Report about APA (PDF) Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) July 13, 2015
Radical Reform Required at APA Chris Ferguson, Ph.D. July 13, 2015
Opening Comments to the American Psychological Association (APA) Board of Directors Steven Reisner and Stephen Soldz Coalition for an Ethical PsychologyDescribes a meeting that took place on July 2, 2015 at the APA, where the two authors laid out guidelines and suggestions for how to portray the Hoffman Report and APA’s reaction after its release. Steven Reisner called for Norman Anderson, L. Michael Honaker, Nathalie Gilfoyle, Rhea Farberman, Ellen Garrison, Heather Kelly, Geoffrey Mumford, Stephen Behnke to be fired; only Behnke actually was. July 13, 2015
Manipulation of the American Psychological Associations Council of Representatives John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 13, 2015
‘A national hero’: psychologist who warned of torture collusion gets her dueThe Guardian July 13, 2015
APA Leadership Resignations: Anderson, Honaker & Farberman John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 14, 2015
3 Leave Jobs Over Psychologists Involvement in Terrorism InterrogationsThe New York Times July 14, 2015
Coalition Open Letter on APA Complicity in Torture Interrogations Coalition for an Ethical PsychologyA historical reference clearly demonstrating that critics knew the findings of the Hoffman Report five years before it was ever conceived, but that the APA stonewalled, lied, and turned a blind eye to critics of its policies and behaviors. What did Carol Goodheart and APA officials ever do in reaction to this letter? Silence. August 11, 2010
Did the American Psychological Associations Board Violate DC Law? John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 16, 2015
Torture, impunity and the American Psychological Association Amy Goodman and Denis Moynihan, Democracy Now! July 16, 2015
How the Largest Association of U.S. Psychologists Colluded in Torture Newsweek July 18, 2015
Sidley Partner Rattles Psychology Field with Torture Report The American Lawyer July 18, 2015
American Psychological Associations Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week John M. Grohol, Psy.D. July 19, 2015
Report on interrogation tactics roils academics: Psychologists linked to Harvard defend work with PentagonThe Boston Globe July 20, 2015
APAs Letter to its Council of Representatives American Psychological Association July 20, 2015