Some see psychology and computers as two distinct fields with little in common. The prevailing view is that computer science has a very rigorous and quantitative research culture, while psychological studies are rooted in more qualitative studies of behavior and human perception.
In fact, the majority of the computer science that we have today is inspired by psychology. Computer scientists and psychologists collaborate to create technology interfaces. This encompasses everything from dashboards for cars to cockpits as well as computer operating systems and game controllers. Also, a large portion of psychology research is highly statistical and requires sophisticated software to process huge data sets.
Psychologists are increasingly relying on technology to expand their reach. The traditional experimental methods in psychology, that focus on the behavior of a specific person in a controlled environment or assessing larger patterns of behavior using interviews or self-report questionnaires, have inherent limitations. (Experiments are typically limited to a single study; longitudinal studies are rare because of the difficulty in collecting and analyzing large volumes of data.)
The use of computer technology has opened new avenues for understanding individuals behavior. Computers are vital to 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.
Additionally the UK’s National Health Service now recognizes CCBT (computerized cognitive behavioral therapy) as a successful treatment for mild-to-moderate presentations of depression and anxiety. Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize psychotherapy by replacing the therapist with robots that are able to examine and treat patients on the internet.