Ecological validity in neuropsychological assessment: A case for greater consideration in research with neurologically intact populations

摘要: The focus of the discipline neuropsychology is shifting towards a greater emphasis on understanding relationship between assessment results and performance everyday tasks (ecological validity). To date, literature has highlighted importance this concept in patients with brain injury or disease (e.g. rehabilitation forensic settings). This paper presents argument that there another important area which ecological validity neuropsychological assessments should be considered: clinical outcomes studies using neurologically intact participants. For example, determining extent to medical procedure intervention affects cognitive can provide useful information potentially guide decision-making regarding treatment options. It argued tests designed mind (the verisimilitude approach), as opposed traditional tests, may most effective at predicting functioning. Explanations are proposed why researchers reluctant use favor more measures.