The APS Convention: Focusing on Psychological Science

The second convention of the American Psychological Society will be held in Dallas on June 7-10. A major purpose of any scientific society is that of sharing of scientific knowledge. For the past century, annual conventions have provided psychologists opportunity to present research findings and theory, to learn about recent work of other psychologists, and to discuss such matters with colleagues and students from other institutions. There are, as all know, many ways of sharing knowledge. The current avalanche of books and journals is augmented by reprints and preprints conveniently delivered by mail (regular or express), FAX and E-mail. The rate of accumulation of scientific material taxes our attention, memory and database reference systems. In recent years the opportunities to meet with colleagues from other institutions have also increased markedly. A myriad of disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary seminars, colloquia, workshops, conferences and conventions continuously compete for our time as well as our scarce travel funds. Despite these many recent changes in the forms of scientific communication, annual conventions remain an important function of scientific societies.