Applicants who are already fellows of APA can submit a current CV and a letter detailing how they meet the criteria outlined below to the current Div. 1 fellows chair, Grant Rich.
Applicants who are applying for fellow status for the first time need to submit their application through the online APA fellows application process. See details on the APA fellows webpage. New fellow applicants will need to submit a detailed statement of how they meet the Div. 1 and APA fellow requirements and a current CV. They will also need to request three letters of support from current Div. 1 fellows (also submitted through the online system).
An individual may qualify for fellow in Div. 1 through any combination of the following criteria:
- Author or editor of a major textbook in psychology or a book that crosses a number of major areas of psychology
- Publication of chapters or major sections of books
Were the chapters invited?
Are the chapters frequently cited?
- Journal publications
Weight given to documentation of:
Content — Articles are "general" in nature (not specialized) or cut across many specialties.
Single vs. multiple authors (if one is not first author, is there some special reason?).
Quality of the journals — Established reputation? Refereed? Are articles abstracts or brief summaries, not full papers?
Frequency of citation by others. - Evidence of outstanding teaching of general psychology
Examples include:
Written reports by peers.
Distinguished teaching awards or appointments (such as Fulbright or invited professorships).
Critical impact on students, (e.g., list of students who completed a PhD in psychology).
- Production of a film, video, computer program, test with a major impact on general psychology
- Evidence of public recognition as an "authority" on general psychology
Examples include:
Election to fellow in related, broad-based scientific or scholarly societies.
Selection as an editor or reviewer for scholarly journals or book publishers.
Selection as a reviewer for granting agencies.
Election to "leadership roles" in psychology — major committees, officerships, invited organizer, etc.
- Development of innovative curricula, methods or research in the teaching of general psychology
Examples include:
Presentations or journal articles.
A "master teacher of teachers."
New materials that effectively teach general psychology, including evidence of their effectiveness.
- Evidence of frequent participation (not mere attendance) in professional meetings
Examples include:
Frequent invitations to chair sessions.
Organizer and participant in symposia.
Reading and/or sponsoring significant papers.
Citation by others of such participation.
Presentation of major invited addresses.
- Evidence of impact on state, national or international programs
- Evidence one has contributed to the promotion of psychology in the social-political scene or improved the image of psychology
- Formation/development of a psychology department that provides broad, general training
Examples include:
Recognition by outside agencies or peers.
Graduates of the department attaining status in the field.
- Publication of papers in major non-psychological publications that reflect a national impact of work in general psychology (e.g., NY Times Magazine, Newsweek)
In preparing their supporting statements, both the candidate and the sponsors should cite (by number) which of these 12 criteria apply, and be sure to provide concrete, behavioral descriptions of the "outstanding and unusual" contributions (not a mere summary statement).
- Leadership in the affairs of Div. 1 and/or other organizations concerned with the advancement of general psychology
Examples include:
Holding elected and/or appointed positions within division
Holding leadership roles in other organizations that advance general psychology such as Association for
Psychological Science, regional associations, etc.
Applications from new fellows should be submitted to Div. 1 Fellows Chair Grant Rich by December 1, 2021. Applications for those already granted fellow status through another division are due by April 15, 2022.
