Professional Knowledge and Abilities The American Psychological Association (APA) is a pivotal organization within the discipline of psychology. The influence of the APA on questions of standards and professionalism is unquestioned. A demonstration of this influence is the use of the APA standard for presenting papers and research work. Thus, the APA is the guardian for quality and integrity in the psychological landscape in America and much of the world.

The APA has very specific organizational purposes and attempts to stay within the parameters of its organizational purposes. The main purpose of the APA is the advance of "psychology as a science, a profession and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare" (American Psychological Association, 2011). This purpose is achieved through the publication of journals, the establishing of best practices, the improvement of research approaches in psychology, and the real life application of research findings. The improvement of qualifications and the sharing of knowledge is...

The strong direction toward the sharing of knowledge through conferences, discussions, journals and other media ensures that professional knowledge is constantly improving. Because ongoing research continuously tests assumptions about care and theory and in so doing will create new vistas of enquiry as well as remove outmoded ways of thinking. In addition to this prospect, the organized dissemination of the information makes it readily accessible to professionals who can utilize the information in their private practice or other spheres of influence.
Another useful aspect of the APA's work is the determination of standards for professionals in the field. These standards encompass not only therapeutic dynamics but they also cover research and ethical concerns. The implementation of standards is a vital cog in the development of any discipline. The…