CURRENT AND EMERGENT APPLICATIONS OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT - PROBLEMS OF VALIDITY AND UTILITY

The author argues that the knowledge base in support of applying neuropsychological data to the assessment of functional competence and rehabilitation potential is not extensive. Clinical neuropsychology will have to develop new assessment concepts and methods. Reasons for the shift from a neurodiagnostic to a functional emphasis are reviewed. The author proposes a simple framework whereby assessment is referenced to different problems: medical, ecological, and rehabilitative. Within this framework, assessments vary in terms of validity and utility. Empirical examples are given to illustrate weaknesses in traditional assessment approaches. These weaknesses are analyzed in light of recent research and the implications of a problem-referenced strategy for the future development of clinical and professional neuropsychology.