The American Psychological Association (APA) is currently the leading professional and scientific organization in the United States that represents psychology. This organization strives to serve as a uniting force for psychology, a primary resource for all psychologists, and an innovator in the development, training, and education of psychological practitioners, scientists, and educators. Essentially, the APA aims to increase the recognition of psychology as a science as well as bolster its role in advancing health (http://www.apa.org).
The purpose of the APA, as stated on the website, is to advance psychology; it works to do this in a variety of ways. These efforts include promoting research, working to improve research methods and conditions, and working to improve the way that research findings are applied. Additionally, the APA endeavors to improve the qualifications of psychologists, as well as their ability to help, by implementing high standards of conduct, education, achievement, and ethics. Not to mention,
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In addition to the resources listed, members receive a subscription to both American Psychologist and Monitor on Psychology as well as access to other restricted search tools and articles. There is also unlimited access to members-only career and professional development tools and discounts on the APA’s full catalog of continuing education programs. Additionally, other discounts are available to members, including discounts on APA materials (publications, books, database packages, etc.) and business and travel discounts at various stores and websites. There is also education campaign materials for psychologists, Topss lesson plans for teachers, and an abundance of networking opportunities. All of this on top of the option to join one of the APA’s 54 topical divisions and simply being a member of the largest psychology organization in the United States