Some see psychology and computers as two distinct fields that have little in common. The general consensus is that computer science is a field that has an enviable research culture while psychology is rooted in qualitative studies of human behavior and perception.
In reality most of the modern computer science is inspired by psychological factors. The design of technology interfaces – from car dashboards to airplane cockpits, from operating systems for computers to games controllers are mostly brought about by psychologists working closely with computer scientists. A significant portion of psychological research requires sophisticated software to process large data sets.
Psychologists are also increasingly using technology to increase their reach. The traditional methods of research in psychology, which are based on examining the behavior of a specific person in an environment controlled by a psychologist or assessing larger patterns of behavior using interviews or self-report questionnaires, have inherent limitations. (Experiments are typically limited to try these out a single study and longitudinal studies are not common due to the difficulty in gathering and analyzing large amounts of data.)
Computer technology has opened up new avenues for understanding individuals behaviours. Computers are essential for the brain-imaging technology fMRI. Researchers can connect specific 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 recognized by the UK’s National Health Service as an effective treatment of mild-to moderate depression and anxiety. Artificial intelligence (AI), on the other hand, is set to transform psychotherapy by replacing therapists and treating patients online with robots.