Introduction to the special issue: Are modern neuropsychological assessment methods really “modern”? Reflections on the current neuropsychological test armamentarium

Abstract

Objective: We introduce this special issue which focuses on how advances in neuroscience and technology can modernize and transform clinical neuropsychological assessment.

Method: We included both invited and solicited papers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of currently used, standardized neuropsychological tests and to explore how we might incorporate new technologies and neuroscientific advances to modernize neuropsychological assessment methods.

Results: The papers are organized along the following themes: (1) A critique of the current clinical neuropsychological test armamentarium; (2) A description of new opportunities for collecting neurobehavioral data with technology; (3) Digital science, biomedical big data and the internet; (4) Integrating neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological assessments; (5) Modernization, globalization and culture.

Conclusion: The process of modernizing methods of assessment in clinical neuropsychology is laborious and requires a coordinated, sustained effort among clinicians, researchers, and the test industry. While embracing technology is necessary, we must also be aware of unintended consequences as we navigate this exciting new territory.

keywords:

• Neuropsychological assessment
• neuropsychological tests
• technology