Question 3
Over the years, many psychologists have left APA because of its lack of attentiveness to and support for psychological researchers. What plans do you have to address this situation?
This "lack of attentiveness" and "support" from APA reflects a central problem: APA has stopped focusing on members. It's telling that this question from APA admits this fact. However, it says, "psychological researchers" instead of psychological scientists, a term preferred by some. If psychological scientists feel other associations serve them well, that's good; APA and psychology aren't the same thing. The success of other psychological associations may not be preferred by APA, but it's not bad for psychology. We'll serve our members by collaborating with other associations to advance psychology, not competing with them. APA wasn't formed to advance APA.
Question 4
What has been the most significant challenge you experienced as a leader, and how did you respond?
Visit www.toddfinnerty.comopens in new window. There's no psychology without psychologists; let's support psychologists. In 2012, I began advocating for psychologists who didn't have APA-accredited internships at a time when this advocacy didn't really exist. Subsequently, I've played a role in encouraging employers including the Department of Veterans Affairs to change their policies and hire some psychologists who didn't have APA-accredited internships. I've worked against unscientific APA policies that harm the public's access to psychologists. I've given some members hope. APA should help members, not harm them. APA should improve access to psychologists, not harm it. APA wasn't formed to advance APA.