The Intersection of Psychology and Computers

The intersection of psychology and computers is a crucial point for the development of user-centered designs and innovation in technology. However, it’s also where the majority of unwanted harms to individuals occur. That’s why we need psychologists to play a bigger role in tech development–particularly given that many technology companies change human behavior at scale and profit from behavioral changes, and generally embrace scientific innovation.

In the past, data collection in psychological research was based on two basic methods: lab research and surveys. The first study a specific aspect in a controlled, small environment; the latter evaluate the behavior of a larger group using self-report questionnaires or (potentially structured) interviews. Both have their own limitations.

Computers can, however, record and analyze vast quantities of information at a high speed – and in ways that traditional methods aren’t able to. This is why they are powerful tools for psychologists and psychologists, opening up a new field of study. For example, a new field called Psycho(neuro)informatics is emerging that merges psychology and computer science to develop models of human brains and intelligence. This requires a team composed of psychologists who have domain expertise and computer scientists with the knowledge required to construct large-scale systems, manage and model data.

However, until recently, there was not much cooperation between the two fields. For instance, Google directors have been more inclined to study computer and computational www.rebootdata.net/ science (29% had studied it) in comparison to psychology (less than 2percent). This has likely resulted in psychologists not being a majority in leadership at tech companies. The result is that technology products are often unable to take psychological principles into account.