Some view psychology and computers as two distinct fields that have little in common. The general consensus is that computer science is a field with strong research culture that is based on quantitative research while psychology is rooted in qualitative research of human behavior and perception.
In reality the majority of modern computer science is influenced by psychology. Computer scientists and psychologists collaborate to create technology interfaces. This covers everything from car dashboards to cockpits computers operating systems, and even game controllers. A significant portion of psychological research requires sophisticated software to process massive data sets.
Psychologists are also increasingly using technology to broaden their reach. The traditional methods for experimentation of psychology – investigating the behavior of a specific individual in a controlled and controlled environment or evaluating larger behavior patterns with self-report questionnaires and interviews – are prone to limitations (experiments are limited to one experiment; longitudinal research is rare because of the difficulty of collecting and analyzing large quantities of data).
Computer technology has opened up new avenues for understanding individuals behaviours. For instance the brain-imaging technique known as fMRI would not be possible without computers. The technology allows researchers to connect specific areas of the brain with specific cognitive processes, such as reading or memory. EEG (electroencephalography) is another example of a technology that uses computer processing to record and analyze brain activity.
Furthermore the UK’s National Health Service now recognizes CCBT (computerized cognitive behavioral therapy) as a successful treatment for moderate-to-moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Artificial intelligence (AI), on the other hand, is poised to transform psychotherapy by replacing the therapist and treating patients online via robots.