06 Feb Psychology and Computers
Some people see computers and psychology as two distinct fields with little in common. The general consensus is that computer science is an extremely rigorous and quantitative research culture while psychology research is based on more qualitative studies of behavior and human perception.
In reality, a lot of modern computer science is influenced by psychological principles. Computer scientists and psychologists collaborate to develop technology interfaces. This includes everything from car dashboards to cockpits and computer operating systems to game controllers. A lot of psychological research requires sophisticated software to process massive data sets.
Psychologists are increasingly relying upon technology to expand their reach. The traditional methods of experimentation in psychology, which focus on the behavior of a specific person in an environment controlled by a psychologist or assessing broad patterns of behavior via interviews or self-report surveys, have inherent limitations. (Experiments are typically restricted to a single experiment and longitudinal studies are not common because of the difficulty in collecting and analyzing large volumes of data.)
The use of computer technology has opened up new avenues for understanding individuals their behavior. Computers are crucial for the brain-imaging technology known as fMRI. Researchers can match certain brain regions to cognitive processes like memory or reading. EEG (electroencephalography) is another example of a technology that uses computer processing to record and analyze brain activity.
CCBT is now acknowledged by the UK’s National Health Service as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform the practice of psychotherapy by replacing the therapist with robots that are able to evaluate and treat patients online.
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