COMPUTERS: APPLICATIONS TO THE QUANTIFICATION OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

This paper discusses the use of computing machines in the biological and social sciences, namely the ultilization of computerized behavior analysis systems in the quantification of human behavior. Only systems of which living human organisms are a part are considered. Some specific functional uses of computers for stimulus preparation and presentation, response collection, and apparatus scheduling and control are presented. All of these functions may be performed by automated systems characterized by the amount of experimental integration and control performed by the computer. Systems types include on-line open-loop, on-line closed loop single or multiple purpose, and off-line. The multiple-man, multiple-purpose system which permits numerous automated investigations upon different source subjects to occur simultaneously is highlighted as the culmination of current automated behavioral analysis systems. But the possibility of behavioral scientists “tapping” into operating systems is presented as possibly having revolutionary consequences with respect to the data gathering of human behaviour. Finally, a general automated behavioral analysis system schematic assists in discussing current advantages, potential advances, and impending limitations of contributions of computers to the quantification of human behavior.