Acknowledging the fact that the number of quantitative psychologists is dwindling at the same time that there is a pressing need for training and education in all aspects of quantitative methods, the APA Council of Representatives authorized a special task force in 2006. Members of the task force were selected by the APA Board of Scientific Affairs (BSA) and the APA Board of Educational Affairs (BEA).
The Task Force for Increasing the Number of Quantitative Psychologists was charged with addressing both the pipeline of qualified students and opportunities for training in quantitative psychology (with an emphasis on early undergraduate education through postdoctoral training). One of the goals of the task force was the development of strategies for increasing representation of minorities and women in the field of quantitative psychology.
The task force submitted its final report to the Council of Representatives in 2009. The report details approaches for making qualified students aware of the discipline of quantitative psychology. It also contains an analysis of sources of students (within and beyond psychology), and includes strategies to inform those who mentor undergraduate students into graduate disciplines about the field of quantitative psychology.