Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With 150,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. The objects of the American Psychological Association shall be to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare by

• the encouragement of psychology in all its branches in the broadest and most liberal manner
• the promotion of research in psychology and the improvement of research methods and conditions
• the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists
• through high standards of ethics, conduct, education, and achievement
• the establishment and maintenance of the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct of the members of the Association
• the increase and diffusion of psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions, and publications thereby to advance scientific interests and inquiry, and the application of research findings to the promotion of health, education, and the public welfare.