PDP4802
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 24 JULY 2026
, PDP4802 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 24 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define neuropsychology.
Neuropsychology is a subfield of cognitive psychology that is concerned with impaired
cognitive functioning resulting from brain injury, disease, or neurodevelopmental
conditions (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 43). Unlike cognitive neuroscience, which
focuses on the biological functions of the brain and mind, neuropsychology focuses
specifically on the assessment and understanding of how damage or dysfunction in the
brain affects cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, thinking, and
behaviour (Donald, Lazarus & Moolla, 2014, Chapter 14). Neuropsychologists assess
individuals who have sustained brain injuries or who present with learning difficulties
and behavioural challenges to determine whether neurological functioning may be
causing these challenges (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 42-43).
1.2 Give two examples of neuro-physical disabilities that Thandi may have
developed from the car accident.
Based on the car accident described, Thandi may have developed the following neuro-
physical disabilities:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - TBI refers to damage to the brain caused by an
external physical force, such as the violent impact of a car accident. The brain may
have bounced against the inside of the skull (closed head injury) due to rapid
acceleration and deceleration forces (Krüger & Botha, 2016a, p. 307). TBI can result in
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 24 JULY 2026
, PDP4802 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 24 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define neuropsychology.
Neuropsychology is a subfield of cognitive psychology that is concerned with impaired
cognitive functioning resulting from brain injury, disease, or neurodevelopmental
conditions (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 43). Unlike cognitive neuroscience, which
focuses on the biological functions of the brain and mind, neuropsychology focuses
specifically on the assessment and understanding of how damage or dysfunction in the
brain affects cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, thinking, and
behaviour (Donald, Lazarus & Moolla, 2014, Chapter 14). Neuropsychologists assess
individuals who have sustained brain injuries or who present with learning difficulties
and behavioural challenges to determine whether neurological functioning may be
causing these challenges (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 42-43).
1.2 Give two examples of neuro-physical disabilities that Thandi may have
developed from the car accident.
Based on the car accident described, Thandi may have developed the following neuro-
physical disabilities:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - TBI refers to damage to the brain caused by an
external physical force, such as the violent impact of a car accident. The brain may
have bounced against the inside of the skull (closed head injury) due to rapid
acceleration and deceleration forces (Krüger & Botha, 2016a, p. 307). TBI can result in
