The Real APS Agenda

In the past months, I have often been asked, “What is APS all about — what is its ‘real’ agenda?” In view of the turmoil that led to the creation of the American Psychological Society, I suppose that questions of this kind are to be expected. But the record of the past two years has given a clear answer. The agenda is a simple one: The aim of APS is to advance psychological science. Although the agenda is simple, the implementation is not.

The articles in this issue of the Observer provide a sample of current initiatives and concerns of APS that are related to our overall aim. As you will note, APS is highly active in efforts to influence government actions affecting the funding and conduct of psychological research. These efforts include ongoing interactions with congressional and agency offices as well as the work of the Summit to encourage the development of an agenda for psychological science. The 1991 convention program committee is busy creating a program that will highlight recent research accomplishments of psychological scientists. Nearly every issue of the Observer now has a “Spotlight on Research” featuring a recent research achievement. The William James Fellow awards were established as a means of honoring our most distinguished psychological scientists. It is time to submit nominations for those you believe have significantly advanced psychological science.

These are some of the activities initiated by the actions of the APS Board and the APS Washington, DC, office. All are based on a dedication to serving the interests of APS members. Your continued support is essential (note: this is a not-so-subtle hint that it is time to pay your 1991 membership dues). With your support, APS will continue to work vigorously on the “real” agenda: Advancing psychological science.