A survey of instructional practices in Canadian psychology departments.

Results of a survey of 43 heads of psychology and educational psychology departments in Canadian universities indicate that Canadian psychology departments are largely traditional in their approaches to teaching, instructional evaluation, and assessment, and there is little evidence that recent psychological research on learning has made any impact on day-to-day teaching activities. They make only limited use of instructional objectives and criterion-referenced testing and assess students primarily by means of multiple-choice tests, essay examinations, or term papers. It is argued that academic psychologists could do more to promote more effective learning by translating the relevant research findings of their own discipline into pedagogical practice. (French abstract) (10 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of the Task Force on the Status of Women in Canadian Psychology, March, 1976.

Describes the formation of the Task Force on the Status of Women in Canadian Psychology, states the terms of reference adopted, summarizes the supporting papers prepared by members of the Task Force, and presents recommendations for action by the Canadian Psychological Association in 4 main areas of concern: the status of women within the discipline of psychology, the education and training of women in psychology, sex bias in psychological research, and psychological services provided to women. (French summary) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Editorial introduction.

This is a Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychology devoted to perceptual and cognitive development in infancy. It is our contribution to celebrating the International Year of the Child, and represents a continuation of our policy of publishing special issues from time to time. The guiding principle for this policy is that such issues should represent fields of major interest in contemporary psychology, and ones in which Canadian psychologists have played a significant role. While the authorship is by no means limited to our compatriots, the papers in this issue clearly demonstrate that infant research is now strongly represented in Canadian psychology. More importantly, we believe that recent developments in the study of infancy will be of general interest to our readers, and that these papers should serve to correct some current and widespread misapprehensions about the field. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology in the Theological Schools.

Comments that there seems to be some general agreement among American psychologists that psychology can and should make a significant contribution to professional education. In 1952, the APA Education and Training Board asked some pertinent questions (American Psychologist, 1952, 7, 3-6) relative to psychology's relationship to the other professions. In a recent analysis of 80 theological school catalogues, it was found that over 400 courses were offered which were strongly psychological in nature. These courses ranged all the way from courses in the psychology of religion to clinical pastoral training in general and mental hospitals. Certainly for those psychologists who honestly believe that their discipline has an important contribution to make to all other professions, the contemporary interest in psychology manifested by theological schools is a real challenge and a significantly potential opportunity for American psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of History of Academic Psychology in Canada.

Reviews the book, History of Academic Psychology in Canada edited by Mary J. Wright and C. Roger Myers (1982). The title of this book is to be taken seriously. It is a history of academic psychology in Canada in which history of the academy moves prominently to the fore, often leaving the reader with only tantalizing glimpses of the psychology that gave meaning to the effort. Substantively, it is a history of university departments of psychology in Canada. Each departmental history is written by a person or persons having a long association with the department and a sufficient interest in its history to write it. At its best, this book provides well-written and penetratingly thoughtful accounts of the struggle to build psychology as an academic discipline in Canada. Often obscured in the effort, however, is the psychology itself. What was the psychology advocated by these personalities? What did they contribute to it? The reader will have to turn elsewhere for the answers. Regardless of limitations or faults, however, this book deserves full credit as the first attempt to rescue Canadian psychologists from their "social amnesia." It is an important step toward establishing a national consciousness and identity, which by itself would be sufficient reason for a positive reception. Fortunately, it has many other features that recommend it as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Positivism in psychology: Historical and contemporary problems.

Reviews the book, Positivism in psychology: Historical and contemporary problems edited by Charles W. Tolman (see record 1992-97782-000). This series of articles, edited by Tolman in Recent Research in Psychology, had its origins in earlier discussions by the Western Canadian Theoretical Psychology Group of CPA. The 12 articles together address the general problem of the continual impact of positivism and its permutations on the way we psychologists think about our discipline and conduct research. Individually, the chapters of this volume reflect diverse and specific themes, which are framed within their own historical scope. The general reader here has the opportunity to examine the historical background which has shaped psychology as a discipline, and to be educated in the basic vocabulary which characterizes the positivist approach in psychology. Throughout this collection, each chapter individually addresses possible alternatives for the specific problem under discussion. The novice reader may miss the detail, or the subtleties, which demarcate the varying theoretical positions which shape these alternatives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Normalizing the ideal: Psychology, schooling, and the family in postwar Canada.

Reviews the book, Normalizing the ideal: Psychology, schooling, and the family in postwar Canada by Mona Gleason (1999). The history of psychology in Canada has not received the attention it deserves. This book is a bold attempt to sketch the development of the discipline and its influence on child-rearing practices and education in post-war Canada. Unfortunately, the author appears to have been guided by a theoretical perspective that can best be characterized as an uninspiring blend of Michel Foucault, Christopher Lasch, and reductionist 1970s feminist scholarship. Gleason's portrayal of the development of psychology, is inadequate on several counts. First, throughout the book, psychology is presented as a monolithic discipline characterized by complete consensus, theoretical unity, and a single-minded purpose of influencing society. Second, Gleason claims that psychologists forced their definitions of normalcy upon an unsuspecting and innocent population by intruding into previously private realms and extending the tentacles of its expertise in building up a professional tyranny. Third, Gleason frequently criticizes psychology for reinforcing and reproducing the social status quo and presenting the ideal family in terms of white, middleclass, heterosexual, and patriarchal ideals. Fourth, she seems to condemn psychologists for inflicting their ideas on an unsuspecting population because they were driven by ulterior motives such as self-aggrandizement and an attempt to increase their own professional power. Gleason's is the first book to provide an overview of the influence of psychology on Canadian society after World War II. Her analysis would have gained from investigating and highlighting the different and at times mutually exclusive ideas, motives, and theories of Canadian psychologists instead of assuming their uniformity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Defining the field of industrial-organizational psychology.

The Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (CSIOP), as a Section of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), has developed a defining statement for Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This definitional statement was passed by CSIOP in June of 1995, and by the Board of Directors of CPA in August, 1996. This article presents the rationale for the definitional statement, how it was developed, and a copy of the statement itself. The statement includes the general principles of industrial-organizational psychology; ethical, professional, and legal standards; activities and training and competencies of industrial-organizational psychologists; and knowledge and competency base. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Survey of Hospital Psychology in Canada.

Despite the major advances in health psychology over the past decade and the changes that have taken place in the Canadian health sector, there remains a paucity of information available about the structure of psychological services in Canadian health-care settings. The most current information about psychology in Canada's hospitals was gathered in 1982 - almost 20 years ago (Arnett, Martin, Steiner, & Goodman, 1987). This article updates the previous information, as it presents the results of a survey that was sent to 975 acute, psychiatric and continuing care health facilities with a minimum patient bed count of 100. Detailed information about the number of psychologists and administrative organizations of psychological services in Canada are reported. The range of services provided by psychologists in health-care settings has expanded, and professional autonomy, as shown by the existence of independent departments of psychology, has changed. The implications of these results for the organization and delivery of psychological services in Canadian healthcare, and for advocacy on the part of psychology, are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Canadian counselling psychology coming of age: An overview of the special section.

This paper provides a brief overview of each of the papers published in this special section on Canadian Counselling Psychology and details how the special section articles further the development of the discipline by highlighting Canadian authored scholarship, mapping out the history and current state of the discipline, and considering how the unique Canadian context shaped the literature reviewed. Specifically, this introduction outlines how the articles to follow cover the following topics: (a) the history of Canadian counselling psychology; (b) professional issues and identity; (c) counselling, training, and supervision; (d) research and scientific issues; and (e) counselling psychologists' contribution to applied psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Canadian psychology in a global context.

This article explores the impact that Canadian psychology has had around the world. Canadian discoveries and theories have led to paradigmatic shifts in several different areas of psychology; our ethics codes have influenced guideline and code development in other countries; articles written by Canadian psychologists have a very high impact relative to articles written by colleagues in other G8 countries; and our applied practitioners have contributed services to underprivileged parts of the world. Special emphasis is placed on how the unique character of Canadian society has played an important role in shaping Canadian psychology. The article concludes by reviewing the disadvantages of fragmentation within the discipline and the importance of integrating basic science with psychological application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

La psychologie canadienne dans un contexte global.

This article explores the impact that Canadian psychology has had around the world. Canadian discoveries and theories have led to paradigmatic shifts in several different areas of psychology; our ethics codes have influenced guideline and code development in other countries; articles written by Canadian psychologists have a very high impact relative to articles written by colleagues in other G8 countries; and our applied practitioners have contributed services to underprivileged parts of the world. Special emphasis is placed on how the unique character of Canadian society has played an important role in shaping Canadian psychology. The article concludes by reviewing the disadvantages of fragmentation within the discipline and the importance of integrating basic science with psychological application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Foreword: "The Science Council and Psychology in Canada."

In 1966, the Science Secretariat, part of the Privy Council Office, commissioned the Canadian Psychological Association to undertake a study of psychology in Canada. The study was executed for the Association by Drs. M. H. Appley and Jean Rickwood and their report was published, in early 1968, as "Science Secretariat Special Study No. 3, Psychology in Canada, by Appley and Rickwood". In November 1968, the Science Council established a Committee, composed of 3 members of Council and 5 psychologists and 1 psychiatrist, to review Special Study No. 3 and to draft recommendations for consideration by Science Council. As a result of its discussions the Council believed that it should have an additional report commissioned to provide a deeper analysis of clinical psychology than was required by the terms of reference of the original (1966) study. Soon after the receipt by Science Council of Dr. Davidson's report in February 1970, a request was received from the editors of The Canadian Psychologist for permission to publish Dr. Davidson's work. The Science Council has complied with this request in the hope that publication of this document will contribute to a lively and effective discussion of the future of psychology within the psychological community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction.

This article provides an introduction to the Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychology, which explores the topic of human memory. There are few traditional areas of experimental psychology for which a Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychology seems more appropriate than human memory. The present theoretical shape of the area, as well as its empirical foundations, owe much to Canadian psychology. A glance at the list of contributors, however, will show that in no sense is the present Special Issue an attempt to offer a comprehensive or even representative account of current Canadian research. The amount of such research is too great, and the page allotment for the Issue too small, to make such a nationalistic statement possible, even if it were desirable. The ten papers contained in this issue do, however, illustrate several of the most interesting aspects of recent memory research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Editorial introduction.

This is a Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychology devoted to research utilizing human evoked potentials. It is a technique that is increasingly relevant to the interests of psychologists working in traditional areas of human experimental psychology - perception, attention, and memory. The selection of papers in this issue represents current thinking on both fronts, and although far from exhaustive, it should give the reader a basis for judging the current status of work in this field. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Connaissance et exécution de la musique: Introduction.

Here the issue of the Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology devotes its knowledge to the execution of music. The interest and research on the knowledge and execution of music have increased considerably during the last decades. This field now has become one of the most dynamic sub-disciplines of psychology and musical thinking. To present such a concentration of articles offers many advantages. By presenting the work of several of the best researchers in this field, this issue offers an excellent general introduction to the readers who do not know this discipline well. As for the experts, they will find a concentration of practical results from very recent research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Editorial.

Presents a reaffirmation of the goals of the Canadian Journal of Psychology. The primary objective of the Canadian Journal of Psychology is to provide a vehicle for the communication of scientific research in general experimental psychology. The editor hopes to encourage Canadian experimental psychologists to take pride in their Journal, and submit their quality work to it. The Journal will continue to maintain a small and selective book review section, and it will maintain its short report section. There is no question that there is ample material to fill the pages of the Journal and make it interesting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

L'emancipation de la psychologie Canadienne.

What has happened to psychology in Canadian universities in the past few years is indeed startling. It has been caught up in a wave of popularity, or public trust, which has produced disproportionately large increases in enrolments in psychology everywhere. Psychology departments now typically carry the largest or one of the largest undergraduate teaching loads, and most have also developed graduate programs. Since 1960, the number of Canadian graduate departments of psychology has more than doubled. By 1966 and 1967 psychology was, of all the traditional academic disciplines, the third largest producer of Canadian PhD's. The rapid increase in the number of faculty required to teach so many students has made it possible for departments to develop along a number of lines. The developments in the universities are only one small part of the story of Canadian psychology in the 1960's, but they are particularly significant because of the promise they hold for the discipline in the years ahead. During the present decade improvements in the state of psychology in this nation have been in every respect spectacular. Canadian psychology has come of age. The evidence is all around us. The question now before us is, will this discipline move forward with confidence into maturity? Will it accept full responsibility for itself? Will it control its own destiny? I believe that it can and that it will. The future holds out much promise if we shape it to our advantage. Opportunities to determine our fate are being presented to us now if we will only seize them. The Canadian Psychological Association is the organization which can provide the fulcrum for the efforts that are required. Hence, we must make it the strong representative organization it should be. There are many problems to overcome if we are to do this, but nothing is impossible if we keep our real goals in sight. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Canadian psychology comes of age.

What has happened to psychology in Canadian universities in the past few years is indeed startling. It has been caught up in a wave of popularity, or public trust, which has produced disproportionately large increases in enrolments in psychology everywhere. Psychology departments now typically carry the largest or one of the largest undergraduate teaching loads, and most have also developed graduate programs. Since 1960, the number of Canadian graduate departments of psychology has more than doubled. By 1966 and 1967 psychology was, of all the traditional academic disciplines, the third largest producer of Canadian PhD's. The rapid increase in the number of faculty required to teach so many students has made it possible for departments to develop along a number of lines. The developments in the universities are only one small part of the story of Canadian psychology in the 1960's, but they are particularly significant because of the promise they hold for the discipline in the years ahead. During the present decade improvements in the state of psychology in this nation have been in every respect spectacular. Canadian psychology has come of age. The evidence is all around us. The question now before us is, will this discipline move forward with confidence into maturity? Will it accept full responsibility for itself? Will it control its own destiny? I believe that it can and that it will. The future holds out much promise if we shape it to our advantage. Opportunities to determine our fate are being presented to us now if we will only seize them. The Canadian Psychological Association is the organization which can provide the fulcrum for the efforts that are required. Hence, we must make it the strong representative organization it should be. There are many problems to overcome if we are to do this, but nothing is impossible if we keep our real goals in sight. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Would you want your child to be a psychologist?

Describes past and present developments in the occupation of psychology and discusses 4 major areas psychology must address to survive as a discipline and preserve something to pass on to future generations. Technological advances will increase the use of computerized testing and assessment services, to identify mental disorders, select treatments, and predict outcomes of interventions. However, psychology must be marketed as primary care, not simply as a mental-health specialty. Although the diversity in psychology will open new markets for researchers and practitioners, psychological researchers and practitioners must be known as psychologists rather than as a proliferation of subspecialists. Psychology must also expand its interactions with other professional disciplines and advocate itself as a discipline for service to human needs. Psychologists should also prepare themselves for learning to prescribe psychotropic medication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)