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The future of psychological instrumentation
Author(s) -
Baker Robert A.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830130102
Subject(s) - instrumentation (computer programming) , scientific instrument , computer science , obsolescence , data science , marketing , business , physics , quantum mechanics , operating system
In spite of the rapid growth rate of instrumentation, the quick obsolescence of present hardware, and the difficulties of predicting future technological trends, a number of scientific processes and new developments appear certain to endure. Such “breakthroughs,” it is predicted, will lead to improved equipment and procedures for the psychologist plying his trade in the world of tomorrow. Some of the devices and instrumental innovations already in use—high‐speed computers, time‐sharing, multiplexing, optical readers, fluid amplifiers, microelectronics, endoradiosondes, and stereo‐optical displays—are examined in some detail. Next are outlined the cultural and social settings most likely to be encountered and some of the problems the psychologist must face. Although the results from a RAND Corporation pool of eminent scientists about the world of tomorrow are highly intriguing, such speculation is not as fruitful as the expansion and logical extension of concepts, devices, and techniques that have already proved their worth, such as computers, automatic instructional equipment, audio‐visual aids, and bionic, robotic, and cybernetic devices. There are some dangers in (1) the immoderate purchase and use of instruments, (2) an overemphasis on big, powerful, shiny gadgets at the expense of sound thinking about important problems, (3) confusion of ends and means, and (4) the deprecation of all work not carried out on gigantic computers—scientific snobbery. Such dangers and the fear of the “monster machine” should not blind us to the fact that man himself is a biological machine and that technology is firmly grounded on two human principles: (1) it is our duty to give the worker the best possible tools (otherwise he is degraded), and (2) the aim of technology is a richer and better life for all.