A history of APA's concern with the master's degree: or "Discharged with thanks."

Abstract

Ilollins CollegeB ECAUSE APA is composed of intelligent, well-educated, mature, emotionally adjusted individuals, the Association responds as does any other organization composed of intelligent, well-educated, . . . etc. When presented with problems, it appoints committees. These committees dutifully meet, discuss their problems, perhaps conduct surveys or studies, usually write reports, and, after a reasonable period of time, the ad hoc committees, at least, are typically "discharged with thanks." Far too often that is all that happens-for several years anyhow. Then someone rediscovers a problem or area worthy of study, a new committee is appointed, and we are off and running again. This repetition of effort appears to be due to the fact that a review of the work done by previous committees is not carried out either by the board that appoints the new committee or by the newly appointed committee itself. In part, the purpose of the present article is to argue for the value of such historical surveys in general. It is also to be hoped that the efforts involved in the preparation of this article will not only bring enlightenment concerning the history of the APA's activities regarding the master's (MA) degree, but may also bring some enlightenment with respect to the general functioning and operations of our boards and committees.Concern by the membership of the APA with subdoctoral training has had a long history. My assignment as a member of the Task Eorce on Subdoctoral Education has been to search the

issues and concerns in Master's-level training and employment

“…They seemed to be trying to appease two very different masters. Compared to previous studies (see Woods, 1971), a majority of these graduate departments favored certification of their Master's program. The interest in certification and all that such would entail is certainly a positive sign.…”

“…Historically, subdoctoral training in psychology has been seen as preparation to work as an assistant to someone with a doctoral degree (Woods, 1971). Such work always has required supervision, which has been stated either explicitly or implicitly.…”

“…According to Woods (1971), Wilhelm Wundt raised questions about subdoctoral training even as psychology was establishing itself as a scientific discipline. Since then, there have been arguments to curtail awarding of the Master's degree in psychology altogether.…”

Counseling Psychology’s Ambivalent Relationship with Master’s-Level Training

“…chologists (APA, 1987a) and has been supported each time it has been raised at various graduate training conferences (APA, 1987b;Woods, 1971).…”

A competency‐based curriculum for training middle‐level community—clinical psychologists

“…The American Psychological Association has been involved with the question of training since the 1949 conference in Boulder, Colorado. Woods (1971) provided a rich historical perspective of the American Psychological Association's activities with regard to the question of professional levels within psychology. Woods went on to say that the question regarding M.A.-trained people was first raised by Wundt, who was concerned that "the APA should devote serious attention to the kind of training that will be necessary for people to work in this area."…”