Membership of the Australian psychological society by academics in university psychology departments

Abstract

Abstract In 1987 only one-half of all academics in the psychology departments of Australian universities were members or fellows of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), in contrast to three-quarters in 1970. A survey undertaken in 1988 showed that academics belonging to APS were much more likely than those who were not APS members to have had work experience outside universities, to be registered as psychologists under state legislation, engage part-time in private practice, and provide casework supervision of students. Most academics identifying themselves as scientist-practitioners were APS members, in contrast to only one-half of those who identified themselves as scientists. The results of the survey are discussed in the context of tensions between scientists and practitioners in psychology, and with reference to relationships between APS and higher education institutions, including universities.