Advances in Computational Psychometrics

Advances in computational psychometrics and mathematical methods have been gaining a significant role in both medicine and psychology over these past years. The mainstream in psychometrics is moving towards ever greater use of computational and mathematical modeling techniques. Such techniques are critical in the emerging fields of affective and wearable computing, where new biomedical instruments available both in the laboratory and in the field are allowing for deeper understanding of human psychology. These experimental methods offer new opportunities but also new challenges in data interpretation and analysis. This special issue has two foci, namely, to feature works that (a) advance scientific knowledge in the area of computational psychometrics and (b) explore deep investigated methods, techniques, and instruments for the assessment of cognitive, emotional, and medical (e.g., diagnostic) as well as mental health at the cutting edge of current technology. There have recently been an increasing number of research initiatives that utilize computational technologies in order to support patients in maintaining or regaining a healthy mental state. Computational psychometrics and related tools have been exploited for assessing, measuring, and defining new methods for an effective and focused psychological intervention. It is of utmost importance to provide people with higher quality of life and also to shift a part of monitoring tasks from therapists and caregivers to unobtrusive technological systems. Efforts have started with Internet-based self-help therapies, but recently systems make an increasing use of computational psychometrics, including ambient intelligence, pervasive computing, smart phones, and sensor systems. Their common goal is to provide effective solutions for maintaining and improving mental health and related assessment.