THE FRAGMENTATION OF PSYCHOLOGY

Rather than being viewed as disintegration, the apparent fragmentation of psychology is interpreted positively as an inevitable consequence of increasing specialization of knowledge as our science matures and o ur range of applications expands. The field's specialization creates t he familiar tensions regarding requirements of training and profession al certification, but these issues are best resolved by pragmatic mark etplace forces alongside persuasive arguments. Despite specialization, national umbrella organizations, such as the American Psychological A ssociation, the American Psychological Society, and the Federation of Behavioral, Psychological, and Cognitive Sciences, provide necessary s ervices for all behavioral scientists. These services include social b onding around mutual interests to promote scientific information excha nge and to focus advocacy of our positions in national forums.