APArecognized

APArecognized is a designation used in academic publishing and education to indicate that a resource, tool, or organization has undergone evaluation against a defined set of standards aligned with the American Psychological Association (APA). It is not a formal certification issued by the APA, but a voluntary label adopted by publishers, institutions, or platforms to signal adherence to criteria intended to reflect scientific rigor, ethical practice, and reliability.

Origin and purpose: The term emerged in the late 2010s amid discussions about improving credibility of online psychology resources. The APArecognized framework was proposed by a coalition of publishers and libraries and later refined through public feedback. The designation aims to help users identify resources that meet established quality and integrity criteria.

Criteria and evaluation: Typical criteria include methodological transparency, robust peer review or validation, ethical safeguards (privacy, consent), accurate citation and attribution, transparency about conflicts of interest, accessibility, and clear data handling. Resources submit documentation and evidence, and an independent review panel assesses compliance. Reviews are conducted by subject-matter experts and librarians, with renewals occurring periodically (commonly every 3–5 years).

Scope and use: APArecognized applies to journals, datasets, educational software, classroom materials, and training programs. The designation is intended to assist researchers, students, librarians, and funders in identifying credible resources and in making informed selection decisions.

Impact and criticism: Proponents argue that APArecognized enhances trust and resource quality, while critics caution about potential inconsistency, branding fatigue, and the need for transparent governance and replicable criteria.

See also: American Psychological Association; scholarly recognition; quality labeling; open science.