American Psychological Association (APA)

The American Psychological Association (APA) was founded in July 1892, and by the 1990s, it was both the world's largest association of psychologists and the major organization representing psychology in the Unit- ed States.The week-long APA annual convention is the world's largest meeting of psychologists.The Public Interest Directorate supports the ap- plication of psychology to the advancement of human welfare through program and policy development, con- ference planning, and support of research, training, and advocacy in areas such as minority affairs, women's is sues, and lesbian and gay concerns.The program of the APA is organized in four direc torates, namely Science, Practice, Public Interest, and Education, all of which contribute to the goal of seeking ways to increase human wellness through an understand- ing of behavior.'The Science Directorate promotes the exchange of ideas and research findings through conven- tions, conferences, publications, and traveling museum exhibits.APA sponsors approximately 50 specialty divisions.