Stockholm university
Department of Psychology

Discover Machine Psychology

Our course in Machine Psychology introduces machine psychology – theories and research about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) from a psychological perspective.

The course provides a survey of how AGI differs from special-purpose (non-general) Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, as well as addresses different approaches to AGI including brain-based approaches, large language models, and principle-based approaches.

A main part of the course introduces a particular principle-based AGI-system called Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS). This part of the course aims to address the differences between adaptive systems (like NARS) from non-adaptive systems (like GPT).

AI generated picture by DALL-E after a prompt by Robert Johansson.
AI generated picture by DALL-E after a prompt by Robert Johansson.

The course has a behavioral psychological orientation, and contrasts this approach to AGI with other psychological perspectives. The course also provides knowledge of principles within scientific methods that contribute to machine psychology research. The course provides tools to analyze and explain how machine psychology can be applied in relation to society and individuals, including ethical considerations.

The course is offered as full-time online studies in the third quarter of the semester (2025-11-03 – 2025-12-01).

The main language of instruction is English.

Tuition fee applies to citizens from outside EU, EEA or Switzerland. First instalment: 18 000 SEK. The complete course: 18 000 SEK.

Machine Psychology, 7,5 credits
 

 

A couple of questions to the course leader, Associate Professor Robert Johansson

Robert Johansson. Photo: Jalal Maleki
Robert Johansson. Photo: Jalal Maleki

Why take a course in machine psychology?

The course deals with a topic that has quickly become a hot topic – Artificial General Intelligence. It is an opportunity to understand the problems that researchers are trying to solve, and at the same time understand how psychology can provide a unique perspective that can be not only interesting but also crucial in the development of AGI systems.

Who is the course primarily aimed at, psychologists or programmers, geeks or the interested public?

Everyone! This is a course for anyone interested in thinking, consciousness, and human nature. AGI is characterized by the fact that it is human thinking and human learning that we want systems to be able to do – learning about AGI is thus a way to understand more about ourselves. It is also a course that provides the opportunity to critically examine some of the AI systems that we see a lot of in the media.

Read more about Robert Johansson
 

Join in. Photo: Kristian Pohl
Join in. Photo: Kristian Pohl
 

Why study at the Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is a creative and international workplace for education and research.

Psychology is a constantly relevant scientific field. Psychological knowledge is useful in both professional and private life. The Department of Psychology offers a broad education in psychology at all levels. Our courses and programs are among the most popular at Stockholm University.

At the Department of Psychology, you will receive a solid education in psychology in a stimulating and international environment that will prepare you for the working life. Our researchers are your teachers, ensuring that teaching is always updated with the latest research. Our research reflects societal developments, for example in areas such as health, AI and group conflicts. We have a psychological clinic and adapted facilities for counselling under professional supervision. There are opportunities to study parts of your program in other countries.

Read more about us

Theme
Digitalization and AI - Theme page Psychology and Human Behaviour - Theme page

Last updated: March 17, 2025

Source: Department of Psychology

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