scholarly journals Improving precision in neuropsychological assessment: Bridging the gap between classic paper-and-pencil tests and paradigms from cognitive neuroscience

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy P. C. Kessels
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Classic Paper

Virtual Reality Applications for Neuropsychological Assessment in the Military

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Edwards ◽  
Thomas D. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
World War I ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Real World ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
The Military

Neuropsychological assessment has a long history in the United States military and has played an essential role in ensuring the mental health and operational readiness of service members since World War I (Kennedy, Boake, & Moore, 2010). Over the years, mental health clinicians in the military have developed paper-and-pencil assessment instruments, which have evolved in terms of psychometric rigor and clinical utility, but not in terms of technological sophisti­cation. Since the advent of modern digital computing technology, considerable research has been devoted to the development of computer-automated neuropsychological assessment applications (Kane & Kay, 1992; Reeves, Winter, Bleiberg, & Kane, 2007), a trend that is likely to continue in the future. While many comparatively antiquated paper-and-pencil-based test instruments are still routinely used, it is arguably only a matter of time until they are supplanted by more technologically advanced alternatives. It is important to note, however, that questions have been raised about the ecological validity of many commonly used traditional neuropsychological tests, whether paper-and-pencil-based or computerized (Alderman, Burgess, Knight, & Henman, 2003; Burgess et al., 2006; Chaytor & Schmitter- Edgecombe, 2003; Chaytor, Schmitter-Edgecombe, & Burr, 2006; Parsons, 2016a; Sbordone, 2008). In the context of neuropsychological testing, ecological validity generally refers to the extent to which test performance corresponds to real-world performance in everyday life (Sbordone, 1996). In order to develop neuropsychological test instruments with greater ecological validity, investigators have increasingly turned to virtual reality (VR) technologies as a means to assess real-world performance via true-to-life simulated environments (Campbell et al., 2009; Negut, Matu, Sava, & Davis, 2016; Parsons, 2015a, 2015b, 2016a). Bilder (2011) described three historical and theoretical formulations of neuropsychology. First, clinical neuropsychologists focused on lesion localization and relied on interpretation without extensive normative data. Next, clinical neuropsychologists were affected by technological advances in neuroimaging and as a result focused on characterizing cognitive strengths and weaknesses rather than on differential diagnosis.

scholarly journals Our Brain as Stone Age Computer

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-176
Author(s):  
Manfred F. Greiffenstein
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Stone Age ◽  
Functional Localization ◽  
Survival And Reproduction ◽  
Neuropsychological Functions

Evolutionary Cognitive Neuroscience. 2007. Steven M. Platek, Julian P. Keenan, & Todd K. Shackelford (Eds.). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 616 pp., $65.00 (HB)Clinical neuropsychologists are most interested in the ‘what’ of brain function. Neuropsychological assessment requires only a working knowledge of functional localization and the tests best suited to capture that specialization. The ‘why’ of cortical specialization is not necessary for good clinical work. The edited volume Evolutionary Cognitive Neuroscience is entirely devoted to the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of brain specialization based on the fact (not ‘theory’) of natural selection. Editors Steven Platek, Julian Keenan, and Todd Shackelford are well qualified to organize and write this book; they devoted their careers to understanding neuropsychological functions as evolved mechanisms designed to solve recurrent survival and reproduction problems of our evolutionary past. In this view, our brains are Stone Age computers.

scholarly journals Towards a Dynamic Assessment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
Andrea Peru ◽  
Alice Bollini ◽  
Sergio Costanzo ◽  
Monica Dainelli ◽  
Lea Landucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Unilateral Spatial Neglect ◽  
Left Brain ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Left Brain Damage ◽  
Classic Paper ◽  
Sophisticated Technology

Background: The traditional paper and pencil tests are often inadequate to detect the mild forms of Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN). Objective: To verify the effectiveness of a touchscreen-based cancellation test in assessing individuals with USN. Methods: Seven individuals, six with right and one with left brain damage, who showed moderate to severe USN at admission, were involved in the study. Besides classic paper and pencil tests, participants were presented with a new, “user-friendly”, device consisting of an interactive “table” that integrates the principles of ecologic interaction and sophisticated technology. Such a touch screen table made possible to analyse the spatial and temporal evolution of the participants’ performance, providing a set of indices related to “how” the different tasks have been fulfilled, rather than simple raw scores. Results: This new technological approach turned out to be much more sensitive than the classic paper and pencil tests to detect the slightest forms of USN. In particular, while four out of the seven participants, performed flawless on the papery version of the Albert’s test, all of them made errors on the technological versions of the same Albert’s test. Finally, under all the different experimental conditions, participants achieved always a better performance when asked to erase rather than mark stimuli. Conclusion: Such a device has a potential in the ecological assessment of USN as well as in monitoring its evolution. Although in need of further substantiation, our findings further support the need to go beyond the traditional paper and pencil tests in the assessment of USN. The information provided by a more dynamic approach seems to be relevant for both clinical and research purposes.

Exploring Virtual Reality for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Executive Functions

2021 ◽  
pp. 866-884
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
Giuseppe Riva
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Portable Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Over Time

This article describes how a neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation are typically carried out using paper-and-pencil tools. However, these protocols cannot effectively evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. More recently, the increasing accessibility of new and powerful technology has presented new possibilities. Virtual reality is one of the most promising tools with the increasing ecologicity in the neuropsychological field. The availability of new portable instruments has increased the accessibility and usability of this technology. Using this frame, the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological practice up to the most recent VR-based tools have been explored. In particular, the focus will be on executive functions as the most sensitive cognitive domain within the ecological validity of the tools. In accordance with the literature, the authors show the potential for the use of virtual reality in the assessment and rehabilitation of executive functions, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and potential future challenges.

scholarly journals Neuropsychological Assessment of Professional Ice Hockey Players: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Baseline Data Across Language Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben J Echemendia ◽  
Joanie Thelen ◽  
Willem Meeuwisse ◽  
Michael G Hutchison ◽  
John Rizos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Symptom Reporting ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Hockey Players ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Paper And Pencil

Abstract Objective Neuropsychological testing in sports has become routine across all levels of play. The National Hockey League (NHL) has conducted baseline neuropsychological assessment of all players since 1997. This study seeks to examine baseline differences among linguistically and culturally diverse groups within the NHL and to present comprehensive normative data for these groups. Method Baseline data were obtained from 3,145 professional hockey players’ baseline symptom reporting, neuropsychological test performance on a battery of traditional “paper and pencil” measures, and self-reported concussion history. In addition, 604 baseline post-injury paper and pencil evaluations were conducted the season following a concussion and 4,780 computerized baseline ImPACT administrations were obtained following the introduction of computerized testing. Results Normative data for paper and pencil tests and ImPACT are presented for the major language groups within the league: English, French, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Finnish, and German (ImPACT only). It was found that symptom reporting, the number of concussions sustained, and neuropsychological test results vary significantly based on a players’ language of origin. This variability was also present when players were tested in their language of origin. Conclusions This study provides insight into the significant baseline differences that exist among NHL players regarding symptoms, concussion history, and cognitive functioning. The findings are discussed with respect to the evaluation and management of NHL players who sustain concussion and more generally in the context of neuropsychological assessment in cross-cultural settings, including the importance of examining neuropsychological functioning using culturally specific norms.

scholarly journals Visual-Attentional Load Unveils Slowed Processing Speed in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study with a Tablet-Based Videogame

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 871
Author(s):  
Marco Pitteri ◽  
Caterina Dapor ◽  
Stefano Ziccardi ◽  
Maddalena Guandalini ◽  
Riccardo Meggiato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Attentional Load ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Classic Paper

Slowing in information processing speed (IPS) is the key cognitive deficit in multiple sclerosis (MS). Testing IPS in different cognitive load conditions by using computerized tools might reveal initial IPS slowness underestimated by classic paper-and-pencil tests. To investigate the extent to which IPS can be affected by increased task demands, we developed three tasks based on the manipulation of the visual-attentional load, delivered with a home-made, tablet-based videogame. Fifty-one patients with MS (pwMS), classified as having no cognitive impairment in classic paper-and-pencil tests, and 20 healthy controls (HC) underwent the videogame tasks; reaction times (RTs) and accuracy were recorded. A significant reduced performance of pwMS as compared with HC was found on the videogame tasks, with pwMS being on average slower and less accurate than HC. Furthermore, pwMS showed a significantly more pronounced decrement in accuracy as a function of the visual-attentional load, suggesting a higher susceptibility to increased task demands. Significant correlations among the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the videogame mean RTs and accuracy were found, providing evidence for the concurrent validity of the videogame as a valid tool to test IPS in pwMS. The high potential that might derive from the adoption of computerized assessment tools in clinical practice should be taken into consideration and investigated further.

Exploring Virtual Reality for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Executive Functions

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
Giuseppe Riva
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Portable Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Over Time

This article describes how a neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation are typically carried out using paper-and-pencil tools. However, these protocols cannot effectively evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. More recently, the increasing accessibility of new and powerful technology has presented new possibilities. Virtual reality is one of the most promising tools with the increasing ecologicity in the neuropsychological field. The availability of new portable instruments has increased the accessibility and usability of this technology. Using this frame, the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological practice up to the most recent VR-based tools have been explored. In particular, the focus will be on executive functions as the most sensitive cognitive domain within the ecological validity of the tools. In accordance with the literature, the authors show the potential for the use of virtual reality in the assessment and rehabilitation of executive functions, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and potential future challenges.

Normocentric biases taint cognitive neuroscience and intervention of autism

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Mottron
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Social Motivation ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Autistic People

Abstract Stepping away from a normocentric understanding of autism goes beyond questioning the supposed lack of social motivation of autistic people. It evokes subversion of the prevalence of intellectual disability even in non-verbal autism. It also challenges the perceived purposelessness of some restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and instead interprets them as legitimate exploratory and learning-associated manifestations.

Cognitive gadgets and cognitive priors

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Domenico Iannetti ◽  
Giorgio Vallortigara
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Some of the foundations of Heyes’ radical reasoning seem to be based on a fractional selection of available evidence. Using an ethological perspective, we argue against Heyes’ rapid dismissal of innate cognitive instincts. Heyes’ use of fMRI studies of literacy to claim that culture assembles pieces of mental technology seems an example of incorrect reverse inferences and overlap theories pervasive in cognitive neuroscience.

X-Ray Analysis of Frozen Hydrated Sections:The Unconventional Approach

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 754-757
Author(s):  
R. Beeuwkes ◽  
A. Saubermann ◽  
P. Echlin ◽  
S. Churchill
Keyword(s):  
Ratio Method ◽  
Frozen Sections ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Sample Handling ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Common Group ◽  
Ideal Method ◽  
Classic Paper ◽  
Physical Principles ◽  
The Ideal

Fifteen years ago, Hall described clearly the advantages of the thin section approach to biological x-ray microanalysis, and described clearly the ratio method for quantitive analysis in such preparations. In this now classic paper, he also made it clear that the ideal method of sample preparation would involve only freezing and sectioning at low temperature. Subsequently, Hall and his coworkers, as well as others, have applied themselves to the task of direct x-ray microanalysis of frozen sections. To achieve this goal, different methodological approachs have been developed as different groups sought solutions to a common group of technical problems. This report describes some of these problems and indicates the specific approaches and procedures developed by our group in order to overcome them. We acknowledge that the techniques evolved by our group are quite different from earlier approaches to cryomicrotomy and sample handling, hence the title of our paper. However, such departures from tradition have been based upon our attempt to apply basic physical principles to the processes involved. We feel we have demonstrated that such a break with tradition has valuable consequences.

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