Empirical and anecdotal evidence support the view that the great majority of professional (as distinct from academic) psychologists never conduct any research. Their interests and activities lie in the applied field. As consumers rather than producers of scientific research, why must they undertake research? Is conducting research the best way to be educated in how to read reports critically? This paper looks at the balance between professional skill development and the acquisition of scientific knowledge in pre‐service education and training, in the light of the needs and interests of most graduate