The Federation of Behavioral, Psychological and Cognitive Sciences is a cooperative. It was incorporated in 1981 by eight scientific societies to represent the disciplinary interests of behavioral, psychological and cognitive scientists. By sharing the cost of Federation activities, the societies are able to support services to themselves that few single societies could support on their own. The Federation has grown to include 17 societies and approximately 150 affiliates. The affiliates include university departments of psychology, schools of education, research centers, regional psychological associations, and a number of divisions of the American Psychological Association.
Advocacy is the representation of specific positions on specific legislation or regulations.
Our advocacy often is directed at gaining funding for the Federal agencies that support behavioral research. We also work on getting provisions and language into authorizing and other policy-oriented legislation that strengthens behavioral research. Sometimes our advocacy efforts are aimed at defeating legislation that would harm science or teaching. The Federation comments on proposed regulations to make clear how such regulations might affect the scientists we represent. When opportunities arise in the government for researchers to fill important job slots or advisory positions, the Federation often suggests individuals who would be appropriate to fill these positions, or advertises the position to encourage members of our scientific community to apply.