In so far as research demonstrates that doctoral training prepares individuals to deliver services that cannot be provided adequately by persons with lesser training, then I support the doctoral degree as the minimum standard for such services. As an educator in a doctoral program, I believe in the importance of such advanced training and in holding that training to a high standard. Yet I also acknowledge that there are many with master's degrees in our field, including many within APA, who have contributed significantly to teaching, research and practice. The Decade of Behavior will provide an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the contributions behavioral research and the application of behavioral science can make toward addressing many of our nation's most significant problems. There are numerous opportunities to apply our skills, knowledge and methodologies in the fields of health, mental health, forensics, learning and development.
Opportunities also abound in all aspects of our changing national demography.
In addition to developing culturally appropriate services and research, we should be looking toward unmet needs across the lifespan, especially among children and seniors. Vigorous public education and advocacy must continue to promote the doctorate as the necessary minimum standard of care. The APA president must be able to represent to the public and to appropriate governmental agencies a deep understanding of the broad sweep of psychology, its scientific accomplishments and its applied achievements. Above all we must explain the singular manner in which psychology straddles other social sciences and biology and applies a unique and essential level of analysis to enhancing our understanding of complex human problems in their social contexts. The remarkable advances in cognitive, affective and behavioral neuroscience must be understood within the framework of current and evolving social-behavioral methods for studying the human condition.