Many people view psychology and computer science as separate fields with 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 studies of human behavior and perception.
In reality most of the modern computer science is psychologically inspired. The design of technology interfaces ranging from car dashboards to aircraft cockpits as well as operating systems for computers to games controllers — is mostly driven by psychologists who work closely with computer scientists. Also, a large portion of psychology research is highly statistical and requires sophisticated software to process huge data sets.
Psychologists are also increasingly utilizing technology to increase their reach. The traditional methods of experimentation in psychology, which focus on one aspect of behavior in an environment controlled by a psychologist or assessing broader patterns of behavior through self-report questionnaires or interviews have inherent limitations. (Experiments are typically limited to one experiment and longitudinal studies are not common due to the difficulty in collecting and analyzing large amounts of data.)
Computer technology has given us new ways of understanding the behavior of individuals. For example the brain-imaging technique known as fMRI would not be possible without computers. The technology lets researchers match specific parts of the brain to specific 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 an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate manifestations of depression and anxiety. And artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform the practice of psychotherapy by replacing therapists with robots able to assess and treat patients online.
