Resumo

CAPOVILLA, Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra. Contributions of cognitive neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessment to human cognitive processing comprehension. Cad. psicopedag. [online]. 2007, vol.6, n.11, pp. 00-00. ISSN 1676-1049.

Cognitive neuropsychology focuses on information processing, different mental operations that are necessary to execute tasks. It assumes that study of brain-injured patients and their performance patterns can contribute to comprehend how the mind works. Such knowledge helps practitioners to comprehend their patients limitations and to delineate more effective remediation procedures. Psychological assessment based on cognitive neuropsychology aims to explain the processes underlying human complex mental activities, and to correlate such processes to neurological functioning. In Brazil, different neuropsychology tests have been developed to assess attention, visuo-spatial processing, oral language, written language, executive functions and arithmetic abilities. Many of these tests are computerized, recording temporal parameters, such as reaction time and response duration. Some of them can be applied virtually using the Internet, which allows studying large samples of participants scattered over vast territories. In the present, precision and validity studies are being conducted with a number of batteries applied to children and adults, with and without neuropsychiatric disorders, such as dyslexia, hyperactivity/attention deficit disorder, and anxiety disorders. Such tests have contributed to expand neuropsychological assessment in Brazil, aiding the comprehension of cognitive processes and their neurological bases, the improvement of evaluating processes, and the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders, in a more effective way.

Palavras-chave : Neuropsychological assessment; Cognitive processing; Cognitive neuropsychology.

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