Association for Psychological Science (APS)

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APS prides itself on its strong, committed leadership and minimal bureaucracy. It publishes five journals. Psychological Science was its first publication, which focuses on original research in all psychology fields. Current Directions in Psychological Science publishes brief reviews of important research, and Psychological Science in the Public Interest is aimed and using psychology science to inform and improve society. In 2006, APS added a fourth journal called Perspectives on Psychological Science, which is a mix of scholarly research and opinion pieces. A fifth journal, called Clinical Psychological Science, was added in 2013 to focus on cutting-edge research.

The APS holds annual conventions and actively lobbies Congress for funds to support scientifically oriented research projects in psychology. In 1991, it initiated a national behavioral science research agenda known as the Human Capital Initiative (HCI). The goal of HCI is to apply the knowledge gained from scientific psychology to address such social ills as illiteracy, substance abuse, violence, as well as mental and physical health. Other initiatives of the organization include fostering relationships with important public research agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and establishing awards to encourage more young people to become behavioral health researchers. The APS maintains an active presence on the Internet and social media to help promote science as a basis for psychology and as a way to improve human welfare around the world.