The Intersection of Psychology and Computers

The intersection of psychology and computers is essential for advancing and design of technology with a focus on the user. It’s also a place where a lot of unintentional injuries to people 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.

Traditionally, psychological research is based on two primary methods of data collection such as lab experiments and surveys, or interviews [1]. The former examines a specific aspect in a controlled environment, while the latter examines more general behavior using self-reporting questionnaires or (potentially) structured interviews. Both have their own limitations.

Computers, however, can capture and analyze huge amounts of information at high speed. They can also do this in ways traditional methods are unable to. This creates powerful new tools for psychologists and open up a new realm of investigation. For example, a new field called Psycho(neuro)informatics is emerging that merges dealing with stress in kids and teens psychology and computer science to develop models of human brains and intelligence. This requires a team composed of psychologists with expertise in the domain and computer scientists with the knowledge required to construct large-scale systems, manage and model data.

There was no collaboration in the past. Google directors, for example are more likely have completed studies in computer and computational sciences (29%) than psychology (less than 2%). This has led to psychologists not being a majority in leadership in tech companies, resulting in that technology products are often unable to take psychological aspects into account.