Effects of Culture and Education on Neuropsychological Testing: A Preliminary Study With Indigenous and Nonindigenous Population

Abstract

We analyzed the influence of education and of culture on the neuropsychological profile of an indigenous and a nonindigenous population. The sample included 27 individuals divided into four groups: (a) seven illiterate Maya indigenous participants, (b) six illiterate Pame indigenous participants, (c) seven nonindigenous participants with no education, and (d) seven Maya indigenous participants with 1 to 4 years of education . A brief neuropsychological test battery developed and standardized in Mexico was individually administered. Results demonstrated differential effects for both variables. Both groups of indigenous participants (Maya and Pame) obtained higher scores in visuospatial tasks, and the level of education had significant effects on working and verbal memory. Our data suggested that culture dictates what it is important for survival and that education could be considered as a type of subculture that facilitates the development of certain skills.