Psychology and society: The challenge of change.

Three Blind Mice, See How They Run: A Critique of Behavioral Research with Animals

“…While I share a general sense of pride in and respect for my profession, it must be acknowledged that by no means has the field achieved consensual acclaim. Pion and Lipsey (1984) noted that, "Many critics have argued that psychology has a less than impressive record in understanding and explaining human behavior, especially social behavior (e.g., Dunnette 1966;Koch 1969;Meehl 1978;Sarason 1981;Smith 1972). "…”

“…Another measure of the contribution of animal research in psychology is the historical trend for specialty fields of new psychology doctorate recipients. According to studies by the National Research Council and the National Science Foundation (Pion and Lipsey 1984), the percentages of newly awarded doctoral degrees in animal research specialty fields (experimental, comparative, physiological) has changed as follows: 30.7 percent (1966); 21.7 percent (1972); 18 percent (1975); 16.1 percent (1977); and 13.7 percent . It would be hard to explain these findings, which reflect a steady decline in those psychologists entering animal research fields, in terms of a theory which ascribes monumental importance to animal research results.…”

The changing face of American psychology: A report from the Committee on Employment and Human Resources.

“…Not coincidentaUy, federal government support for education, research, health, and other human services expanded during this time; for example, more than 1,000 new social programs were launched from 1965to 1975(Abt, cited in Kiesler, 1980 These developments altered the complexion of psychology. Their effects can be seen in most aspects of the discipline, including graduate education, the specialization patterns of psychologists, and the employment and utilization of psychological personnel (Pion & Lipsey, 1984). Nevertheless, many of these changes are neither fully recognized nor appreciated by psychologists.…”

From then to now: The development of industrial-organizational psychology in the United States.

“…The pace of change is increasing and shows no signs of lessening (Pion & Lipsey, 1984). Therefore, the organizations, professions, and individuals that stand the best chance of surviving are those that are flexible and adaptive.…”