Advanced Technology and Assessment

Author(s):  
Shane S. Bush ◽  
Philip Schatz

The role of technology in neuropsychological practice has expanded dramatically in recent years, and its presence and evolving nature provide both exciting opportunities and sizeable risks that challenge practitioners ethically. Computerized test administration, scoring, and interpretation are now so common that is it hard to imagine a neuropsychologist’s practice that does not incorporate some combination of these technologies. Some of the most commonly used measures have become so complex or offer so many variables to consider that their scoring and interpretation would be extremely difficult, if not prohibitive, without the use of technology. Additionally, assessment of some cognitive constructs, such as sustained attention or response time, typically requires a computer for administration. Without computers for assessing such constructs, the understanding of the test taker’s cognitive abilities would be limited, and the decision to forgo use of such measures would not be consistent with optimal practice. Some referral sources, particularly in forensic contexts, specifically require the use of measures that are computer-administered, scored, and/or interpreted. Finally, computers, or other technologic devices, such as tablets, are now widely used by practitioners for completing and storing reports and other documentation, and telecommunications like email are commonly used for transmitting reports. Thus, technology now permeates the practice of clinical neuropsychology and will likely continue to do so forever. Even practitioners who prefer to limit use of technology must accept that it is here and is here to stay. This is not a bad thing. There are many advantages to the use of digital assessment and data storage. As Wahlstrom (in press) stated: After decades of incremental technological advancements, neuropsychology is beginning to see a rapid expansion of digital applications available to clinicians. In the short-term, these applications promise to replace paper materials and will make testing more efficient, accurate, and engaging for both the examinee and examiner.

Author(s):  
Robert L. Kane ◽  
Thomas D. Parsons

The word disruptive has become associated with the age of technology. The connotations of this term have changed drastically from years ago, when in schools it was associated with the type of behavior that would result in a trip to the principal’s office. In the 21st century, “disruptive” often refers to changes that markedly affect and reshape the way things are done, opening up new approaches that change the way we live and function. Computers in various forms, from desktop systems to handheld devices and mobile phones, have played a large role in changing the way we live and work. Researchers no longer spend days at computer centers running study statistics and now can accomplish far more sophisticated analyses using notebook computers. Despite the dramatic changes technology has made in most phases of life, its impact on the practice of clinical neuropsychology has been minimal. It is fair to say that neuropsychologists have increased their use of computers for patient assessment and that some traditional test measures have been adopted for computers, simplifying the administration and scoring process. A number of tests have been developed and designed for computer administration. While computer use has increased especially in specific areas, such as aviation, pharmaceutical studies, and in evaluating concussion both in sports and in the military, the potential use of computers and other technologies to augment assessment has barely been exploited. The goal of this volume is to present ideas and accomplished work demonstrating the use of technology to augment the neuropsychological assessment of patients. Some of the ideas presented in the introduction are forward thinking, incorporate the use of advanced technology, and are potentially disruptive. Others represent incremental changes, but changes that take obvious advantage of using technology to modernize and streamline the assessment process. The introduction reviews the current state of technology in neuropsychology and sets the stage for the succeeding chapters.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Whiten

Abstract The authors do the field of cultural evolution a service by exploring the role of non-social cognition in human cumulative technological culture, truly neglected in comparison with socio-cognitive abilities frequently assumed to be the primary drivers. Some specifics of their delineation of the critical factors are problematic, however. I highlight recent chimpanzee–human comparative findings that should help refine such analyses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (Spring 2019) ◽  
pp. 25-41
Author(s):  
Sidra Iqbal ◽  
Mah Nazir Riaz

The present study compared cognitive abilities and academic achievement of adolescents studying in three different school systems namely Urdu medium schools, English medium schools, and Cambridge system schools. The sample comprised of 1001 secondary school student. Cognitive abilities were assessed by Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (1960) and marks obtained by the students in the last annual examination were used as an index of academic achievement. Results showed that cognitive abilities of the students were positively associated with academic achievement of the respondents. It was further found that cognitive abilities and academic achievement of students studying in Cambridge school system was better as compared to those studying in other systems. Post-hoc comparison revealed that level of academic achievement of Urdu medium schools was lower as compared to English medium and Cambridge system of schools. The findings suggest that difference in schooling system influenced cognitive abilities and academic achievement of the students. Results further demonstrated that gender was a significant predictor of academic achievement in both Urdu and English medium schools. Future implications of the study were also discussed.


Jurnal Hukum ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 1737
Author(s):  
Ira Alia Maerani

Abstract                Indonesian Criminal Justice System consists of the police, public prosecutor and the courts. The role of the police investigators is certainly vital as the frontline in building public confidence in the rule of law in Indonesia. The role of the investigator is quite important in realizing society’s  justice. The era of globalization requires a pattern fast-paced, instant, measurable, and transparent of life and it requires investigators to follow the times by optimizing the use of technology. The aim of this study is to give effect to the rule of law in Indonesia that provides fairness, expediency and certainty. However, it considers to have priority of Pancasila values in the process of inquiry and investigation. The values of supreme divinity, God (religious), humanity, unity, democracy and justice are values that establish a balance (harmony) in enforcing the law. Law and its implementation can create product which meets the demands for social justice. This paper will examine the role of the investigator according to positive law currently in force as well as the role of investigator in implementing the values of Pancasila, accompanied by optimizing the use of technology. Keywords: Re-actualizing, Investigation, Police, values of Pancasila, Technology   AbstrakSistem Peradilan Pidana Indonesia meliputi institusi kepolisian, kejaksaan, dan pengadilan. Peran penyidik dalam institusi kepolisian tentunya amat vital sebagai garda terdepan dalam membangun kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap penegakan hukum di Indonesia. Peran penyidik amat besar dalam terwujudnya keadilan di masyarakat. Era globalisasi yang menuntut pola kehidupan yang serba cepat, instan, terukur, dan transparan menuntut penyidik untuk mengikuti perkembangan zaman dengan mengoptimalkan pemanfaatan teknologi. Tujuannya adalah untuk memberikan arti bagi penegakan hukum di Indonesia yakni memberikan keadilan, kemanfaatan, dan kepastian. Namun yang harus diperhatikan adalah mengutamakan nilai-nilai Pancasila dalam melakukan proses penyelidikan dan penyidikan. Nilai-nilai ketuhanan yang maha esa (religius), kemanusiaan, persatuan, kerakyatan dan keadilan merupakan nilai-nilai yang membangun keseimbangan (harmoni) dalam menegakkan hukum. Sehingga produk hukum dan pelaksanaannya memenuhi rasa keadilan masyarakat. Tulisan ini akan mengkaji tentang peran penyidik menurut hukum positif yang saat ini berlaku serta peran penyidik dalam mengimplementasikan  nilai-nilai Pancasila dengan diiringi optimalisasi pemanfaatan teknologi.Kata Kunci: Reaktualisasi,Penyidikan,Kepolisian,Nilai-nilai Pancasila,Teknologi


Author(s):  
Victor Shpak

This article is devoted to analysis of the modern problems of book publishing in the context of national information space. Development of the Ukrainian state is impossible without development of national book publishing, which is a part of its information space. In Ukraine, as one of the post-Soviet states, the formation of new information and communication system is based on its own information tradition, mentality and features of spiritual culture of the Ukrainians. It plays an important role in shaping culture, spirituality, comprehensive vision and consciousness of the nation. They were and they are a source of knowledge and the most effective way of its transfer. The transience of processes occurring the era of information society, radical socio-economic reforms, sectoral technological revolution requires the continuous scientific researches and analysis, identifying the trends in publishing industry as one of the most important factors in the state’s democratic progress. The author summarizes the development of book publishing of Ukraine and shows its role and place in the modern information society. The study of the modern book publishing is impossible without digression into the past, without finding out the roots of studying of the analysis object. The specific problems of the book industry are identified. It is concluded that in the modern Ukraine the publishing business has intensified, although the positive changes are taking place very slowly: the appropriate economic conditions for development of the publishing industry have not been created, the equipment are outdated; editorial, publishing and printing equipment of domestic manufacture are nonavailable; introduction of advanced technology are low; purchasing ability of the population is low; the sales network of printed products has been destroyed and so on. The businesses are becoming increasingly uneconomical. We propose some measures to improve this situation, strengthening the role of industry in the national information space. The key to improve the situation may be systematic and persistent efforts of the Ukrainian government to support the industry.The reason is that a comprehensive study requires from the performers not only historical knowledge, but also economic, managerial, psychological, political efforts and so on. The most important thing that the society and the state should need is the component of doctrine of information security in the context of the national security


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rika ramadani ◽  
Hade Afriansyah

Progress in information technology that is so fast is expected to improve the quality of education in Indonesia. In the world of information technology education can help and support the learning process. Especially now all the learning process activities can be done online. Progress in information technology must also be supported by quality human resources. In this case the teacher is very instrumental in the utilization of information technology in the world of education. Because the teacher is one of the education supervisors who will encourage the advancement of the quality of education in Indonesia. But in reality the quality of teachers in Indonesia is inadequate. There are still many teachers who cannot use information technology in learning especially for teachers who are senior or old. As teacher supervisors, they must improve the quality of their performance in using technology. To improve the ability of teachers to use technology, ongoing training is needed to use technology. The role of the head of the school as a supervisor is also needed, namely the principal is obliged to supervise, control, and approach the teacher in terms of the use of technology in the learning process.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Doub ◽  
Anne Hittson ◽  
Brielle C Stark

Purpose: The use of technology (e.g., telehealth) in clinical settings has rapidly increased and its use in research settings continues to grow. The aim of this report is to provide detailed methods for conducting a multi-timepoint (test-retest) virtual paradigm, assessing lifestyle, physiological, cognitive, and linguistic factors in persons with and without aphasia. Methods: Procedures for virtual assessment are detailed in a sample of non-brain damaged adults (NB; N=24) and persons with aphasia (PWA; N=9) on a test-retest paradigm (data collection approximately 10 +/- 3 days apart). This report provides practical information about pre-assessment (e.g. recruitment, scheduling), assessment (e.g. aphasia-friendly consent presentation, investigator fidelity), and post-assessment (e.g. data storage, quality check) procedures for human behavior research using a virtual platform.Results: Preliminary study data is provided, demonstrating high retention rates and feasibility. Common technological troubles and solutions are discussed, and solutions offered. The results suggest that our pre-assessment, assessment, and post-assessment procedures were core to the success of our study. Conclusion: We provide practical methodology for conducting a multi-timepoint study, with considerations for persons with aphasia, adding to the body of research on telehealth in clinical populations. Future studies should continue to evaluate tele-methodology, which may be core for diversifying studies, improving study retention, and enrolling larger sample sizes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 375 (1803) ◽  
pp. 20190495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Uomini ◽  
Joanna Fairlie ◽  
Russell D. Gray ◽  
Michael Griesser

Traditional attempts to understand the evolution of human cognition compare humans with other primates. This research showed that relative brain size covaries with cognitive skills, while adaptations that buffer the developmental and energetic costs of large brains (e.g. allomaternal care), and ecological or social benefits of cognitive abilities, are critical for their evolution. To understand the drivers of cognitive adaptations, it is profitable to consider distant lineages with convergently evolved cognitions. Here, we examine the facilitators of cognitive evolution in corvid birds, where some species display cultural learning, with an emphasis on family life. We propose that extended parenting (protracted parent–offspring association) is pivotal in the evolution of cognition: it combines critical life-history, social and ecological conditions allowing for the development and maintenance of cognitive skillsets that confer fitness benefits to individuals. This novel hypothesis complements the extended childhood idea by considering the parents' role in juvenile development. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses, we show that corvids have larger body sizes, longer development times, extended parenting and larger relative brain sizes than other passerines. Case studies from two corvid species with different ecologies and social systems highlight the critical role of life-history features on juveniles’ cognitive development: extended parenting provides a safe haven, access to tolerant role models, reliable learning opportunities and food, resulting in higher survival. The benefits of extended juvenile learning periods, over evolutionary time, lead to selection for expanded cognitive skillsets. Similarly, in our ancestors, cooperative breeding and increased group sizes facilitated learning and teaching. Our analyses highlight the critical role of life-history, ecological and social factors that underlie both extended parenting and expanded cognitive skillsets. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Life history and learning: how childhood, caregiving and old age shape cognition and culture in humans and other animals’.


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