Artificial Intelligence as a Research Instrument in Psychology

Recently, we have witnessed the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies based on machine learning. The consequences of such a wide use of these technologies are relevant to psychology. Researches that use machine learning to automatically recognize qualities and states of people, as well as for some other purposes, appeared recently. New larger projects are looking ahead. To what extent will artificial intelligence technologies be able to influence psychology? Will they be able to complement human intelligence or even replace it completely in some scientific functions? The article develops ways to answer these questions. First, the article discuss the idea that neural networks "think" differently from humans and frame a science that differs from human science. According to these views, people build up theories and make predictions, while neural networks are not able to build up explicit theories, nevertheless they are able to make predictions. In this context, the scientific views on how "human" science works are considered. The difference between inductive and hypothetical-deductive methods is introduced. Then modern methods of machine "cognition" are discussed. It is shown that predictions and conclusions of neural networks are always made on the basis of general provisions. However, these general provisions may not be explicated and are not built by the machine independently, but only in the context specified by a programmer. Finally, we discuss the opportunities that artificial intelligence technologies may bring to the field of scientific psychology. It is suggested that the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies can significantly change the picture of psychological science. For fundamental research, the emergence of digital twins of the cognitive system, personal constructs, etc. is possible. For practical purposes, technologies may arise that assess a person's psychological state and help improve it up to the use of psychotherapeutic methods, contribute to the improvement of relationships in close and professional circles, act as a coach, help in negotiations, orient in incoming information and much more.