APA

The American Psychological Association (APA) is a professional organization representing psychologists in the United States. Its primary goals include advancing psychological research, promoting education and training, advocating for psychological practice, and supporting the well-being of individuals and communities.

Key Aspects of APA:

1. History:
   • Founded in 1892 at Clark University.
   • Began with a focus on academic psychology but has since expanded to include clinical, educational, and applied psychology.
2. Publications:
   • Publishes a wide range of scholarly journals and books in psychology.
   • Notable for the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which provides comprehensive guidelines for academic writing and citation.
3. APA Style:
   • A widely-used citation and formatting style in the social sciences.
   • Includes rules for citations, references, paper formatting, and ethical writing.
   • The current edition (7th, as of now) addresses new digital media and inclusive language.
4. Ethical Standards:
   • The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct outlines professional conduct and ethical practices.
5. Advocacy:
   • Advocates for psychological science and practitioners on issues like mental health policies, funding for research, and public education.
6. Divisions:
   • Has over 50 divisions focusing on various subfields and special interests, such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.