Monitor on Psychology - Candidates answer final questions: McGrath

Monitor on Psychology
Volume 39, No. 9 October 2008

Candidates answer final questions:
Robert E. McGrath, PhD
Print version: page 105

Q5: What does diversity mean to you and how would you encourage diversity in APA?

Increased diversity in psychology and its leadership is essential for broadening our dialogue on psychological issues and for preparing ourselves to serve an increasingly diverse population. Frankly, there is nothing we can do that is more likely to enhance the attractiveness of the field for individuals of diverse backgrounds than to ensure the viability of psychology as a career so that the investment in training needed to become a psychologist is seen as worthwhile. Beyond that, we must continue to improve our mentoring systems to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue positions across psychological disciplines and in APA governance.

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Q6: What steps would you take to ensure the success of the Annual Convention during your presidential term?

I am committed to enhancing psychology's reputation as a scientific discipline, particularly in connection with pressing social issues. I would like to organize consensus panels during the convention on scientific and social questions, with the goal being to generate statements that will set the agenda for future legislative or scientific efforts. In this way, the convention becomes a locus for progress. Second, I would like to organize thematic miniconventions within the larger proceedings to increase the match between audience and presentations. Finally, it is important to offer cutting-edge presentations in both science and practice.