Psychological Science Agenda
A publication of the Science Directorate
June 2008 | Vol. 22, No. 6
SCIENCE BRIEFS
Causal Theories of Mental Disorder Concepts
By Woo-kyoung Ahn and Nancy S. KimAccording to recent studies, an estimated one-quarter of Americans suffer from a clinical mental disorder in any given year, and nearly half of these are diagnosed with two or more disorders.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COLUMN
- Answering the Call
David Abrams has done a fantastic job in representing the interests and values of behavioral and social sciences at NIH.
By Steven Breckler
FROM THE APA SCIENCE STUDENT COUNCIL
- Keeping It Together During Comps!
Although the qualifying exam requires and demands intense focus, with some conscious effort it is possible to live a balanced life during this process. Here are some tips on how to regain your sanity, conquer self-doubt, and make this time-tested graduate student rite of passage a pleasant experience.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
- NIH Modifications to Peer Review Moving Forward
A new Implementation Plan calls for NIH to acknowledge more formally the efforts of all reviewers, and make review experience more intellectually rewarding by focusing discussion on impact/originality of proposals; ranking proposals at meeting’s conclusion; and engaging study sections to pilot many of these interventions.
By Patricia Kobor - Educating Congress: Celebrating 45 Years of NICHD Research
Several speakers noted that one result of improved treatments for individuals with ID/DD, including Down syndrome, is that these individuals are living longer than in previous generations.
By Karen Studwell - Spring Fling for the APA Board of Scientific Affairs
The Board of Scientific Affairs (BSA) welcomed three new members at its spring meeting: Leona Aiken (Arizona State University), Jennifer Manly (Columbia University), and Vickie Mays (UCLA). - "Who" is BSA?
This triennial review of the aspects of psychology represented by each current BSA seat creates opportunities for BSA members to identify changes in our science that need to be ‘at the table.’ It also creates opportunities for APA Divisions and members to alert BSA to emerging fields or issues that are likely to change our thinking.
By Alice M. Young - An Interview with David Abrams, Former Director of OBSSR
Interview with Dr. David Abrams
By Patricia Kobor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- June 2008 Announcements
“Scientists’ Guide to the APA Convention” now available!; Search Begun for New Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Director; New Fact Sheets Available from NIH; The 2008 NeuroPsychoEconomics Conference will be held in Munich, Germany, October 9-10, 2008
