6 - Neuropsychological Assessment Flashcards
1
Q
cognition
A
measurable human capabilities that bridge the biology of the brain & the psychology of the mind
2
Q
3 factors that have enhanced neuropsychological assessment
A
- Functional brain imaging
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Managed health care
3
Q
Challenges of Neuropsychological Test Batteries
A
- Performance below a particular level cannot always be indicative of brain damage.
- Cerebral organization varies w/ sex, age, education, culture, & life experience
- Problem solving strategies vary (problems can be solved using different strategies which therefore entails different cortical regions)
- Task performance may depend on intelligence
- Lack of neurological theory in test construction or use
4
Q
Standardized Test Batteries
A
- Atypical behavior is assumed to have an organic, biological basis
- Fixed criteria is used to distinguish behavior symptoms from those not directly related to brain pathology
- Straightforward administration, scoring, & interpretation
- Ex: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
5
Q
Individualized Test Batteries
A
- Require particular theoretical knowledge to administer & interpret
- More qualitative than quantitative
- Testing is tailored to the person’s etiology & quality of test performance
6
Q
Composite Test Batteries
A
- Occupy a ground between standardized & individual test batteries
- Each test is administered in a formalized way & may have comparison norms, but qualitative performance is also considered
- Strengths: each battery changes in response to test revisions & developments, and to the clinical population
7
Q
Goals of Neurological Assessment
A
- To determine a level of cerebral functioning
- To identify & localize cerebral dysfunction, mild disturbances, & unusual brain organization
- To be accurate & unbiased
- To facilitate patient care & rehabilitation
- To document recovery of function after brain injury
