The Role of the Generalist In a World of Specialists

As in previous years, the APS Board of Directors held its winter retreat meeting in early December, a time well suited to reflecting on the activities of the year just past and looking toward the future. Any discussion of long-term planning for our society necessarily involves assessing the role of a generalist organization working on behalf of a discipline that encompasses the study of behavior from the molecular to the social levels of analysis. What is the mission of the generalist in this world of scientific specialization? APS Niche Although the differentiation of scientific disciplines evolves gradually over time, APS entered the scene at a point when subdisciplinary specialties in psychology were already well established and represented by existing scientific societies at both national and international levels.