Psychology and Computers
Technology influences or impacts virtually every aspect of our lives today and it’s no different in the field of psychology. In the same way technology influences how people behave or work and think psychologists also employ technology to explore and understand mental disorders, as well as to treat them. Technology aids psychologists in their research by making it possible for them to collect and analyse data faster and more accurately than they might be able to. From using computers in fMRI imaging to the development of electronic symptom assessments and tracking tools for patients with anxiety and depression technology is an integral part of psychological treatment and research.
In addition, technology impacts the way humans interact with the digital systems they interact with on a regular basis. Some of the most famous technology companies have large departments of psychologists that are experts in perception and cognition of humans. They conduct studies to determine how people react to certain designs and offer suggestions based on their findings. The majority of the time, when you are using a piece technology, like your phone or Facebook you are benefiting from the collaboration between psychology and computer science.
Sidney D’Mello, a researcher at Notre Dame University, is one of the many researchers working at the intersection of computers and psychology. His research focuses primarily on “affective Computing,” which is the study of the ways computers are able to detect, and interpret, emotions. For instance, his team has created a model that could allow computers to predict when a user is about to become angry or anxious, so that it can take action before that happens.