Neuropsychology qua interface

Abstract

This paper focusses on the multidisciplinary nature and requirements of neuropsychology. It illustrates two approaches to this convergence of neuropsychology its complementary disciplines: the relationship between the dissociated visualperceptual and spatial disorders consequent upon focal lesions of the rightr cerebral hmisphere in man and the evidence (neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioural) of two major cortico-cortical pathways for processing visual information in monkey; and the evolution of information-processing models (derived from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and pathophysiological data) to delineate the functional architecture of reading and speech production. It cites the study of attention and frontal-lobe function as a major target for research; and it invokes the need to encompass the art of medicine in neuropsychological research and practice.