Computational Psychology

Abstract

Computational psychology is concerned with understanding the mind and its various functions and domains through developing detailed, mechanistic, process-based models, namely, computational (in a broad sense) models of representations, mechanisms, and processes. It embodies theories in computer algorithms and programs, which are in turn based on artificial intelligence and computer science. That is, it imputes computational processes onto psychological functions, and thereby it produces runnable computational models. Detailed simulations can then be conducted based on computational models. Empirical disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, provide empirical data, findings, phenomena, ideas, and other information to computational psychology. Computational psychologists then analyze and abstract them to form coherent theories in computational forms. In turn, these theories impact other disciplines, including those disciplines from which they draw their initial inspirations. Thus, work in computational psychology relies on empirical work from various empirical disciplines, and work in other disciplines in turn is influenced by work from computational psychology. Note that computational models are, mostly, “process theories”—that is, they are meant to answer the question of how human performance and behavior comes about; by what psychological mechanisms, processes, representations, and knowledge; and in what ways exactly. In contrast, it is also possible to formulate “product theories” that provide a functional account of the phenomena but do not commit to a particular psychological mechanism or process. This article emphasizes the former. Note also that, because of the existence of many different or even conflicting viewpoints, paradigms, and theories, this article can only provide a sparse sampling of perspectives and models (especially with regard to various specific psychological or cognitive domains), not exhaustive or complete in any way. The reader should explore further and make up their own mind about various perspective and models.