For New Zealand psychologists, this lecture provides an accessible yet thorough introduction to neuropsychological assessment. Master the fundamentals of brain-behaviour relationships, learn to use key assessment tools for cognitive domains, and develop confidence in interpreting complex profiles for differential diagnosis and effective client care.
This lecture offers an accessible yet comprehensive introduction to the core principles and practices of neuropsychological assessment. It examines how cognitive functioning is linked to specific brain regions and how this understanding informs the evaluation of functions such as memory, executive control, attention, language, and spatial processing.
Beginning with a foundational overview of the left and right hemispheres of the brain and their respective contributions to cognition, the session provides practical insights into commonly used assessment tools, interpretation of findings, and the clinical relevance of neuropsychological profiles. The talk also touches on the complexities and challenges involved in differential diagnosis and case formulation.
This talk is ideal for psychologists seeking to deepen their knowledge of brain–behaviour relationships and enhance their skills in the psychological assessment of cognitive function.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe the key functions of the left and right cerebral hemispheres.
Understand the core principles of neuropsychological assessment.
Identify key tools used to evaluate cognitive domains such as memory, language, and executive functioning.
Apply assessment findings to inform case conceptualisation and clinical decision-making.
Recognise common challenges in interpretation and differential diagnosis.