I would like to share Jon Driver's thoughts on psychology in the past, now, and future.
"I hope that psychology continues to hang together around the scientific study of mental life, while incorporating new approaches
and techniques that are unimaginable now. "
*The copy right belongs to "The Psychologist"
Online only answers
One limitation of imaging research
I'm a fan rather than a critic of neuroimaging, and think there is still much more to come from it, particularly for psychology.
But like most approaches it's at its best when combined with other complementary approaches.
One hero / heroine from psychology past or present
I have so many psychology heroines and heroes that to name just one would be like asking a parent of several children which is their favourite.
To name just a few, Donald Broadbent, Mike Posner and Anne Treisman are obvious choices in attention research.
Bob Rafal might seen less obvious unless you've seen him assess patients, or have read his best behavioural neurology papers.
Finally Uta Frith and Chris Frith remain a heroine and hero, for both remaining so interested and interesting throughout their careers.
One thing that organised psychology (e.g. the BPS) could do better
Throw more parties. The BPS is doing the more serious stuff very well.
One great thing that psychology has achieved
Bringing the scientific approach to bear on mental life is a fantastic achievement; as is bringing this to the attention of other disciplines also.
One problem [research, professional or otherwise] that psychology should deal with
Hanging together despite increasing specialisation.
One hope for the future of psychology
I hope that psychology continues to hang together around the scientific study of mental life, while incorporating new approaches
and techniques that are unimaginable now. Current cognitive-neuroscience methods were completely unimaginable
back when I first read psychology textbooks as a schoolboy.
One proud moment
Being picked by the BPS to represent British Psychology as a young researcher, at the International Congress of Psychology in Montreal.
