Arguments for a theoretical realignment in the assessment and remediation of memory in clinical neuropsychology: Contribution of functionalism

Abstract

The conception of memory as structurally and functionally different multiple systems is largely dominant in clinical neuropsychology at least in France. In addition to the focus on the structure of memory or its components, we suggest that it would be clinically more relevant for psychologists to also consider in conjunction a functional and processes-based approach to memory. Despite longstanding disagreement in the literature between these approaches, we encourage psychologists to perceive each memory conception as proposing different levels of explanation and therefore focusing on complementary questions; how is the patient's memory: efficient or impaired, relying more on a structural analysis or why it works this way, based on process identification. The present article proposes a reflection in favor of a theoretical realignment in the assessment and remediation of memory in clinical neuropsychology. It suggest that the structural and functional approaches to memory can coexist in parallel in clinical neuropsychology, advocating the freedom of the clinician to rely on one or the other approach depending on the level of explanation sought, the question asked or the therapeutic goals.