Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which Wechsler test factor score primarily assesses simple attention span?
Which Wechsler test factor score primarily assesses simple attention span?
The Processing Speed Index (PSI) provides information about the speed of mental processing.
The Processing Speed Index (PSI) provides information about the speed of mental processing.
True
What is the main purpose of evaluating attentional function during neuropsychological assessments?
What is the main purpose of evaluating attentional function during neuropsychological assessments?
To diagnose effects of acquired brain injury or to assess conditions like ADD/ADHD.
The __________ test examines the ability to listen to two rhythms and determine if they are the same or different.
The __________ test examines the ability to listen to two rhythms and determine if they are the same or different.
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Match the following assessment tools with their primary focus:
Match the following assessment tools with their primary focus:
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What is one potential use of neuropsych testing?
What is one potential use of neuropsych testing?
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Similar lesions in different brain areas result in the same outcomes.
Similar lesions in different brain areas result in the same outcomes.
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Name one psychological factor that may influence cognitive output after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
Name one psychological factor that may influence cognitive output after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
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One common symptom of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is __________.
One common symptom of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is __________.
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Match the following factors with their potential influences on functioning after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury:
Match the following factors with their potential influences on functioning after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury:
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Which feature is NOT relevant in neuropsychological assessment?
Which feature is NOT relevant in neuropsychological assessment?
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Psychiatric conditions can present in ways that appear neurological.
Psychiatric conditions can present in ways that appear neurological.
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What does the general framework of neuropsychological function consider?
What does the general framework of neuropsychological function consider?
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What is the primary purpose of the referral question in neuropsychological assessment?
What is the primary purpose of the referral question in neuropsychological assessment?
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Social history is not considered an essential component of a neuropsychological history.
Social history is not considered an essential component of a neuropsychological history.
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List two factors that should be included in a person's medical history during neuropsychological assessment.
List two factors that should be included in a person's medical history during neuropsychological assessment.
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The person’s _____ history includes details about learning disabilities and test results.
The person’s _____ history includes details about learning disabilities and test results.
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Match the following components of a neuropsychological history with their definitions:
Match the following components of a neuropsychological history with their definitions:
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Which of the following best describes 'cognitive and behavioral side effects'?
Which of the following best describes 'cognitive and behavioral side effects'?
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Structured interviews in neuropsychological assessment gather only subjective data.
Structured interviews in neuropsychological assessment gather only subjective data.
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Why is it important to consider a person's occupational history in neuropsychological assessments?
Why is it important to consider a person's occupational history in neuropsychological assessments?
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Physical examinations may be conducted to assess _____ and coordination.
Physical examinations may be conducted to assess _____ and coordination.
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Which of the following is NOT typically assessed in the neuropsychological history?
Which of the following is NOT typically assessed in the neuropsychological history?
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Which of the following tests is typically included in the Halstead-Reitan battery?
Which of the following tests is typically included in the Halstead-Reitan battery?
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The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery only assesses lateralization of brain functions.
The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery only assesses lateralization of brain functions.
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What is the primary purpose of using the MMPI in neuropsychological assessments?
What is the primary purpose of using the MMPI in neuropsychological assessments?
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The ________ test measures hand dominance and grip strength as part of a neuropsychological assessment.
The ________ test measures hand dominance and grip strength as part of a neuropsychological assessment.
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Match the following tests with their purposes:
Match the following tests with their purposes:
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What is the current trend in neuropsychological assessments regarding test selections?
What is the current trend in neuropsychological assessments regarding test selections?
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A flexible battery can be modified based on a test-taker's performance during the assessment.
A flexible battery can be modified based on a test-taker's performance during the assessment.
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What cognitive domains are commonly assessed using flexible batteries?
What cognitive domains are commonly assessed using flexible batteries?
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At the base of the triangle model for creating a flexible battery, measures include general intelligence and ________ achievement.
At the base of the triangle model for creating a flexible battery, measures include general intelligence and ________ achievement.
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In neuropsychological assessment, what might trigger further testing beyond the initial battery?
In neuropsychological assessment, what might trigger further testing beyond the initial battery?
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Study Notes
Neuropsychological Assessment
- Neuropsychology is a sub-specialty of psychology focusing on brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychological assessment primarily measures observable cognitive and intellectual functions as an output of brain activity.
- Prior to advanced neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment was key in determining if a brain deficit was organic (neurological) or functional (psychological). The assessment then localized areas of potential dysfunction within the brain.
- Today, sophisticated instruments measure brain structure and activity. Common questions now include: what are the functional effects of known central nervous system damage?
- Conditions leading to neuropsychological assessments include neurodevelopmental disorders (like intellectual disability and ADHD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebrovascular disorders (strokes), brain tumors, dementia, and toxic effects (like alcohol exposure).
Interaction of Factors Influencing Functional Outcome
- Neurological, physical, and psychological factors significantly influence functional outcome.
- Lesions in similar brain locations can result in varied outcomes.
- Similar outcomes can result from lesions at varied locations.
- Psychological conditions can manifest neurologically, and psychological factors influence cognitive function.
- A model (Figure 1) shows how several factors influence functioning following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), including physical factors, neurological factors, and psychological factors.
General Frameworks
- Relevant neuropsychological functions include the assessment of: left and right hemispheres (e.g. generative, expressive, receptive).
- Intellectual functions (e.g., general intellectual ability, and specific functions); and personality, affect, and behaviour which influence test output.
- Possible assessment frameworks include: sensory reception, attention and concentration, memory and learning, language and linear thinking, visuospatial and holistic thinking, executive functions, organization and regulation of goal-directed behavior, motor output, learning, etc.
Assessment Process
- A comprehensive neuropsychological history includes current and past medical history, educational and occupational history, social history, family history, relationship status, use of substances, current medications, and more.
- Initial symptom assessments can be structured using checklists.
- Neuropsychological tests are often selected based on referral questions and assessment goals, considering the test-taker's age, language competence, testing conditions, and time constraints.
- Different test categories may be used; including fixed or flexible batteries, to assess different cognitive domains (e.g., learning and memory, language/visuospatial functions, executive functions, and integrated skills).
- Neuropsychological tests assess different functions, including tests for arousal/attention, sensory/motor functions, executive function, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. and visual memory
- Examples of tests include: WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), Repeating digit strings backward and arranging letter sequences, Conner's Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Stroop Color-Word Test, Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), among others.
Non-verbal Reasoning Assessment
- Visual/spatial tasks, such as assessing picture absurdities and other visual reasoning tasks, evaluate the test-taker's organizational tasks.
Model of Memory Processes
- Memory processes include external and internal sensory input, registration, encoding (conscious/unconscious, passive/active) in short-term memory, and the encoding of memories to long-term storage (e.g., declarative & procedural, episodic & semantic).
- A model helps illustrate the process.
Evaluation of Score Differences
- Comparing scores to a normative sample allows for the assessment of whether levels of ability are average, below average, or above average.
- Comparing test scores within the same individual (“within-individual comparisons”) helps measure changes associated with time or other interventions.
- Evaluating possible differences between scores using a statistical method (e.g., standard error of difference, confidence level) distinguishes between true differences and differences simply due to test variations or measurement error. This allows better interpretation of performance.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of neuropsychological assessments, including their importance in determining brain-behavior relationships. This quiz covers the evolution of assessment techniques and the various conditions that necessitate these evaluations, from neurodevelopmental disorders to brain injuries. Test your knowledge on how advanced neuroimaging impacts understanding cognitive functions.
