What is neuropsychology? - correct answer "The scientific study of the relations between brain function
and behavior"
What is the job of the clinical neuropsychologist? - correct answer to apply the understanding of brain-
behavior relationships to individuals with cognitive and behavioral problems to improve the diagnosis
and treatment of the conditions and their symptoms. These activities are accomplished primarily
through the use of assessment methods, developed over centuries.
Brain theory - correct answer brain is source of behavior
What are the roles of the clinical neuropsychologist? - correct answer Diagnose:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Ex: ADHD, Autism
Neurological Disorders
Ex: Effects of stroke, brain injury, epilepsy
Differentiate mood/personality issues from cognitive issues
Determine capacity and competency
Describe impact of injury or cognitive disorder on everyday functioning
Can include forensic (legal) work
Treat:
Develop recommendations for treatment
Consultation with medical team, schools, employers, etc.
Cognitive rehabilitation
Psychotherapy
Neuron theory - correct answer Unit of brain structure and function is the neuron
Localization of function - correct answer Specific area of brain controls specific function.
Ex- Phrenology (1800s)
,Neuropsychology Exam 1
Had a brain region for "sexiness
Lateralization of function - correct answer One side of the brain controls specific function.
Ex- Patient Tan
Damage to Broca's area - third convolution (gyrus) of the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere.
What are disconnection syndromes. - correct answer Even when functions are specific to particular
locations:
They usually have to work together with other locations to function properly.
Conduction aphasia ( disconnection syndromes.) - correct answer Wernicke described as conduction
aphasia would result. In this condition, speech sounds and movements are retained, but speech is
impaired because it cannot be conducted from one region to the other. The patient would be unable to
repeat what
is heard.
What do disconnection syndromes tell us about localization of functions? - correct answer the function
can still be recovered if injury to that location occurs
What is neuroplasticity? - correct answer The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural
connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate
for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their
environment.
Phantom limb syndrome aka What is neuroplasticity? - correct answer A phantom limb is the sensation
that an amputated or missing limb is still attached. Can still feel things in the missing limp even when its
gone.
What are the three main points of the neuron theory? - correct answer Neurons are discrete,
autonomous cells that interact but are not physically connected.
Neurons send out electrical signals that have a chemical basis.
, Neuropsychology Exam 1
Neurons communicate with each other via a chemical signal, or a neurotransmitter.
How do plastic (Hebb) synapses help to explain brain activity (thoughts, feelings, behavior)? - correct
answer When cells are activated at the same time, they establish or strengthen connections and become
a unit. Are the structural bases of memory.
How do cell assemblies help to explain brain activity (thoughts, feelings, behavior)? - correct answer
Connected families of neurons.
Represent units of behavior such as an idea, and cell assemblies linked together could underlie thinking
and consciousness.
What is a unique characteristic of neuropsychological assessment compared to other types of
evaluations (e.g., brain imaging)? - correct answer Standardized test batteries
Fixed criteria
Easy to administer and score
No information about process
Individualized test batteries -
Qualitative - all about process
How can findings be used? - background information of a person, and start assigning tests to that person
based on the history you have found.
Composite batteries
Between standardized and individualized batteries
Looks at qualitative performance and patterns among test
How did functional brain imaging change neuropsychological assessment? - correct answer Clinical
neuro-psychologist's main role has changed from diagnostician to participant in rehabilitation, especially
in cases of chronic disease such as stroke and head trauma.