Diversity (Psychological) Science Training: Challenges, Tensions, and a Call to Action

Abstract

Diversity science training is a requisite element of preparing future generations of psychological scientists. This article describes challenges and tensions in diversity science training—with a particular focus on race, ethnicity, and racism—and draws on a project conducted with faculty and students to propose policy-relevant recommendations that might serve as a starting point in advancing training practices in diversity and psychological science. These include: (1) communicating a top-down commitment to diversity science; (2) developing strategic planning around diversity science training; (3) establishing diversity science training task forces; (4) maximizing ongoing efforts to increase representation of diverse faculty and students; (5) evaluating and interrogating existing pedagogical approaches and teaching methods; and (6) building coalitions and advocating for trainees. Through ongoing, proactive, and critical inquiry, assessment, evaluation, and instruction, current diversity science training focusing on race and racism in psychological science can transform the field.