Knowledge_and_Abilities_Paper

Knowledge and Abilities Patricia Price Gen/200 March 1, 2010 Jamie Doi American Psychological Association (APA) During youth, the mind wonders about what one wants to be when he or she grows up. Some want to be an astronaut, doctor, nurse, or a firefighter. Each person has a dream that he or she wants’ to fulfill one day. For some it is choosing a profession that helps people understand why people act the way they do. Whichever profession one chooses joining a professional organization of interest enhances the abilities of the person. According to the free dictionary by Farlex (2010), professional organizations “are a body of persons engaged in the same profession, formed usually to control entry into the profession, maintain standards, and represent the profession in discussions with other bodies” (professional organizations, para. 1). Many professional organizations are available for researching according to Weddle's Association Directory (2000-2010), The American Medical Association (AMA), Association of Space Explorers (ASE), International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), or American Nurses Association (ANA) (Where People Matter Most, 2000-2010). If one decides to choose a profession for treating depression, attention deficit disorder, stress, or workplace issues, then he or she may want to join the American Psychological Association (APA). In 1892, a small group of 31 people formed what is today operating under the name of the American Psychological Association (APA), sustaining a membership of 150,000 and is still expanding. The American Psychological Association (APA) operates with the associations headquarters in Washington, DC. The purpose of the American Psychological Association (APA) is to enhance knowledge for psychologist by offering continuing education and for the nonprofessional, the APA can help one to understand how and why people act in the way that he or she does. If one chooses this profession, they can research information on the types of education needed to obtain a doctorial degree, networking, and enhance one’s area of expertise. The mission statement can be for anyone who wants to learn more about dealing with people. According to the American Psychological Association (2010), “The mission of the APA is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives” (Mission Statement, para. 2). The Website for APA is user friendly and it is free to sign up. Some seminars and databases cost money however, if one is trying to find a topic on stress in the workplace, dealing with diversity, and ethics, some of these journals, magazines, or newsletters are free. Even if a person is not pursuing psychology as a profession, knowing how to interact with the people can only enhance one’s skills. A great deal of topic’s deal with people related issues are not the only training offered by APA. If one is in school or college, there will be a time one will use APA style for writing papers. If a person has no knowledge of APA style, for $40 one can take an online tutorial for the new APA sixth edition. If APA style is what one is using in writing papers, a free tutorial for only the new corrections in the APA sixth edition is available. The website offers s a blog section on APA style in which a person can look for a specific item and ask an expert. Whether it is learning to write concisely, abbreviations, or one is in need of referencing a sample paper, the American Association website is there to help anyone enhance one’s writing skills. Conclusion When choosing an organization, it is important to choose one of interest to the person, and one that allows the person to become knowledgeable in his or her area of expertise. Many organizations offer topics related to a chosen field although some offer continuing education. They also provide information on the educational background it takes to receive a degree or certification. For the person pursuing expertise in a certain field, joining an organization can only enhance his or her skills level. Anyone looking for ways to improve his or her skills can join organizations like the American Psychological Association, in which one can receive free education on APA writing style. Joining an organization of choice helps to ensure employability, and encourages growth for the individual seeking better ways to interact with people. References American Psychological Association. (2010). About APA. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/index.aspx The Free Dictionary By Farlex. (2010). Professional Organization. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/professional++association/ Weddle's Association Directory. (2000-2010). Professional organization. Retrieved from http://www.weddles.com/associations//