IT+Psychology

Information technology is a term that is used fairly
frequently because it embraces the many ways in which
computers are used. It includes telecommunications, a
wide range of medi a (software, CD-ROM, interactive
video and sound), several kinds of computers (supercomputers, mainframes, and microcomputers), and applications. Psychology is a discipline with some history
in the use of information technology for both instruction
and research

1. To k e ep up with advanc e s in research tools

2. To updat e ins t ruc t ional software.

3. To find out what works. A lot of software is available commercially, but it is often difficult to determine student reactions, or whether the software will fulfill
expectations. At our meetings, we have always emphasized the evaluation ofsoftware applications. Presenters are not hesitant about placing a piece of software within
a context and evaluating it against similar materials

4. The opportunity to me e t the peopl e who ar e author ing academi c software. Mel, SuperLab, MacLaboratory, PsyScope, and Eye Lines are a small fraction of the available materials that have been authored by SCiP members. The annual meeting provides members with
an opportunity to have an input into future developments
in instructional software

5. To understand new me thods ofdata analysis

6. Tof ind out what snew. Vendor displays have been
used over the years to provide an informal forum for discussion at our meetings. Innovative hardware and software products are presented.
7. The oppor tuni t y to as k que s t ions about spe c i f i c
research or ins t ruc t ional applications. With the emphasis on tool-based software, there is some flexibility in
how software can be used. Hints about effective techniques can be true time savers.
8. Tof ind solut ions to research and ins t ruc t ional applications that are specific to psychology. Although there
are many computer conferences, they tend to be dominated by a specific vendor or software application. Our
conference is dominated only by a shared interest in applications for psychology. We are not in the business of
hawking commercial products.
9. To me e t othe r s who have common ins t ruc t ional or
research applications. Working together, we can sometimes develop solutions that would not be possible alone.
10. Because the annual me e t ing prov ide s an opportunity to discuss developments in information technologies as they relate to the discipline ofps y chology . Research
tools developed for a specific area of research may be
useful when applied more broadly.