Chapter 14: Neuropsychology Lecture

These flashcards cover key definitions, roles, training requirements, research topics, employment settings, and related career information from Chapter 14: Neuropsychology.

In what year did the APA formally define neuropsychology as a practice area?

1996

What is the primary definition of neuropsychology?

The study of relationships between brain function and behavior, applied to diagnosing brain disorders, assessing cognitive/behavioral functioning, and designing effective treatments.

How does experimental neuropsychology differ from applied clinical neuropsychology?

Experimental neuropsychology develops knowledge of brain–behavior relationships, whereas applied clinical neuropsychology uses that knowledge for diagnosis, assessment, and intervention with patients.

Why is research considered the foundation of neuropsychology?

Because it builds the knowledge base that guides both experimental discovery and clinical practice in understanding brain–behavior relationships.

Name three fields of neuroscience that commonly inform neuropsychological research.

Cognitive psychology, rehabilitative psychology, medicine, and gerontology (any three).

How are neuropsychological research findings usually disseminated?

Through peer-reviewed publication.

Give two current research topics a neuropsychologist might study.

Examples include: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on neuropsychological functioning, (2) Cognitive functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder, (3) Memory functioning in individuals with schizophrenia.

What does the clinical practice of neuropsychology generally entail?

Addressing psychological or behavioral manifestations of neurological, neuropathological, pathophysiological, and neurochemical changes in brain disease and other CNS abnormalities.

Neuropsychology often overlaps with pediatric practice. What are the two broad client categories, and what do they cover?

Children (learning and developmental disabilities, referrals for drug abuse, HIV, toxin exposure) and Adults (neurological and psychiatric problems affecting the CNS).

List three common pediatric issues managed by neuropsychologists.

Learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and referrals related to drug abuse, HIV, or toxin exposure.

Name three neurological problems an adult neuropsychology practice might address.

Dementia, brain tumors, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes).

What psychiatric problems might adult neuropsychologists evaluate?

Psychotic symptoms that are related to underlying neurological conditions.

What are the five core professional activities of neuropsychologists?

Assessment, Treatment & Intervention, Consultation, Teaching & Supervision, and Research.

Where are the majority of neuropsychologists employed?

Colleges and universities, including medical schools.

What is the primary focus of a clinical neuropsychologist?

Studying and applying knowledge about brain–behavior relationships.

What is the typical entry-level degree for practicing neuropsychologists, and how do their median earnings compare with clinical/counseling psychologists?

A doctorate is required; their salaries are generally higher than the median for clinical and counseling psychologists (about $78,200 vs. $76,620 for postsecondary psychology teachers).

When is professional licensure required for neuropsychologists?

Licensure is required for applied clinical practice but not for research or academic positions.

Are post-doctoral certificates in neuropsychology encouraged, and where can students find training listings?

Yes; training directories are available through the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology.

Which basic science courses are strongly recommended for aspiring neuropsychologists?

Biology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology.

What additional quantitative coursework is advised for neuropsychology students?

An extra statistics course beyond standard requirements.

What does a Social Science Research Assistant do, and what is the median salary for this role?

Assists social scientists with laboratory, survey, and other research tasks; median salary ≈ $47,510.

Describe the role and typical salary of an Occupational Therapy Aide in neurorehabilitation.

Helps patients recovering from neurological events like strokes or head injuries; median salary ≈ $29,230.

What is the function of a Health Educator, and what is the median salary?

Designs and manages programs to help individuals and communities maintain healthy lifestyles; median salary ≈ $55,220.