Profiling the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists: An Examination of Demographics, Professional Practice, Attitudes and Professional Development Preferences

Abstract

At the request of the National Executive of the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists (CEDP), a survey was carried out with the aim of profiling its membership in order to better describe the nature of college membership when information is sought from its parent body, the APS, and to provide better services for its members. Of the 327 CEDP members contacted by email, 119 completed an online questionnaire providing demographic information and data concerning their professional practice, skills, involvement with the APS and professional development needs and preferences. The data obtained indicates that the CEDP contains an aging, predominantly female, city-based membership. Respondents consider they share many skills and competencies with other psychologists but do have a specialised knowledge base. They collaborate with colleagues from other Colleges but would welcome the opportunity to do this more. While they value the work of the APS they would like increased support by the APS in raising the profile of educational and developmental psychology. While the majority of members could find and access professional development (PD) relevant to their practice, a sizeable minority considered the costs involved excessive. The implications of these data for CEDP policies, especially with regard to recruitment and service provision, are discussed.