BLUF
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can now do most of what psychologists now do; therefore, psychology as a profession is probably going to have to change.Summary
The writers argue that there are four primary areas to a psychologist’s job:
- Assessment is carried out by most psychologists using AI-driven tests.
- Diagnosis of conditions carried out by following decisions trees.
- Interventions where rules and processes are applied.
- Evaluation generally a repeat of assessment.
Note definition of AI from IBM:
Using an AI to complete many of the tasks of a psychologist has happened quickly and for the following reasons:
- Machines can now mediate social interactions.
- Deep learning algorithms.
- Predictive analytic systems.
- Access to big data see: Big Data in Psychology.
- AI predictive ability will soon be superior to human ability.
- Covid-19 and development of mental health applications.
Consider whether an AI can meet most people’s psychological needs and how this is likely to impact a person’s wellbeing.
References
- June 2020 Cambridge University Big Data in Psychology.
- June 2020 IBM Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Sep 2020 Psychology Today With 99 Measures of Well-Being, How Do You Choose?
- Sep 2020 Brookings Forecasting and predictive analytics
- Jan 2021 APS Mental health apps are gaining traction
- Jan 2021 Psychology Today AI Machine Learning Used to Predict Psychosis
- Feb 2021 NTU Digital platforms could enable monitoring of mental health crises in real-time, say researchers
