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31990Volume 3, Issue1January 1990

About the Observer

The Observer is the online magazine of the Association for Psychological Science and covers matters affecting the research, academic, and applied disciplines of psychology. The magazine reports on issues of interest to psychologist scientists worldwide and disseminates information about the activities, policies, and scientific values of APS.

APS members receive a monthly Observer newsletter that covers the latest content in the magazine. Members also may access the online archive of Observer articles going back to 1988.

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  • Thumbnail Image for Disaster Response and Recovery

    Disaster Response and Recovery

    Disasters like Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Mangkhut draw massive media coverage, trauma interventions, and financial donations to victims. But psychological research shows the efforts don’t always yield the intended benefits.

Up Front


  • The "Decade of the Brain"

    A Congressional Resolution recently signed by President Bush designates the 1990's as the "Decade of the Brain." We can (and should) ignore the minor fact that the new decade actually begins in 1991. But APS should not ignore the major fact that this is the first Congressional Resolution to endorse a specific area of research since the National Geophysical Year. And, it is worth noting that the brain was given a full decade of attention! The Congressional Resolution (presented in part below) includes recognition that study of the brain involves multidisciplinary efforts of scientists from many areas, including psychology, aimed at achieving an understanding of the brain functioning in relation to development, health and behavior. For more than a century scientific psychology has, of course, played a major role in research on brain processes underlying behavior.

More From This Issue


  • APS Rings in the New Decade with Psychological Science

    The new decade begins for APS with the launching of its flagship journal, Psychological Science which is scheduled for release this month. According to Sandra Scarr, Chair of the APS Publications Committee the concept of a psychology journal modeled after Science was "an instant success." "It is a journal that is aimed at appealing to everyone in scientific psychology, it will cover current topics of general interest as well as more specialized research reports." Janet Spence, Past President of APS noted that "the Society is doing swimmingly. In the context of its growth (there are now over 7500members, including student affiliates), Psychological Science is another milestone. It is a journal that has broad audience appeal and will be accessible to all facets of the discipline. APS was designed to bring together those from diverse backgrounds in psychology in pursuit of common goals.