Future Prospects for a Computational Neuropsychology

Abstract

Neuropsychology is poised for transformations of its concepts and methods, leveraging advances in neuroimaging, the human genome project, psychometric theory, and information technologies. It is argued that a paradigm shift toward evidence-based science and practice can be enabled by innovations.-Robert Bilder (2011) Throughout this book, there is an emphasis upon the importance of (1) enhancing ecological validity via a move from construct-driven assessments to tests that are representative of real-world functions-it is argued that this will proffer results that are generalizable for prediction of the functional performance across a range of situations; (2) the potential of computerized neuropsychological assessment devices (CNADs) to enhance: standardization of administration, accuracy of timing presentation and response latencies, ease of administration and data collection, and reliable and randomized presentation of stimuli for repeat administrations; and (3) novel technologies to allow for precise presentation and control of dynamic perceptual stimuli-provides ecologically valid assessments that combine the veridical control and rigor of laboratory measures with a verisimilitude that reflects real-life situations. Neuropsychologists are increasingly interested in the potential for advanced psychometrics, online computer-automated assessment methods, and neuroinfor-matics for large-sample implementation and the development of collaborative neuropsychological knowledgebases (Bilder 2011; Jagaroo 2009). In this chapter, the focus will be upon using technology to develop repositories for linking neu-ropsychological assessment results with data from neuroimaging, psychophysiol-ogy, and genetics. It is argued that clinical neuropsychology is ready to embrace technological advances and experience a transformation of its concepts and methods. To develop this aspect of Neuropsychology 3.0, clinical neuropsychologists should incorporate findings from the human genome project, advances in psycho-metric theory, and information technologies. Enhanced evidence-based science and praxes is possible if neuropsychologists do the following: (1) develop formal definitions of neuropsychological concepts and tasks in cognitive ontologies;