Abstract
Neuropsychologists in the digital age have increasing access to emerging technologies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives for behavioral and social sciences have emphasized these developing scientific and technological potentials (eg, novel sensors) for augmented characterization of neurocognitive, behavioral, affective, and social processes. Perhaps these innovative technologies will lead to a paradigm shift from disintegrated and data-poor behavioral science to cohesive and data-rich science that permits improved translation from bench to bedside. The 4 main advances influencing the scientific priorities of a recent NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research strategic plan include the following: integration of neuroscience into behavioral and social sciences, transformational advances in measurement science, digital intervention platforms, and large-scale population cohorts and data integration. This paper reviews these opportunities for novel brain-behavior characterizations. Emphasis is placed on the increasing concern of neuropsychology with these topics and the need for development in these areas to maintain relevance as a scientific discipline and advance scientific developments. Furthermore, the effects of such advancements necessitate discussion and modification of training as well as ethical and legal mandates for neuropsychological research and praxes.
Highlights
Clinical neuropsychologists have traditionally developed and validated parsimonious assessment tools using basic technologies
Evidence that progress is occurring in neuropsychology exists; more work needs to be done
There is a need for a classification system that moves beyond low-dimensional emphases on unitary cognitive constructs specific to a purported functional or neuronal system
Summary
Clinical neuropsychologists have traditionally developed and validated parsimonious assessment tools using basic technologies (ie, pencil and paper protocols, general linear model). Advances have predominantly occurred in expanded normative standards throughout the history of this profession [1] These low-dimensional tools are well-validated assessments of basic cognitive constructs, they have limited presentation (static 2D stimuli) and logging capabilities (which require manual logging of responses). Low-dimensional technologies have led us to search for simplified explanations of complex phenomena, which limits our ability to develop, validate, interpret, and communicate useful models of human neuropsychology. Commonalities between subfunctions and other constructs (eg, working memory) are often not empirically distinguishable and by no means imply that the underlying functional and neural processes are different or separable These authors propose that rather than being rigidly adherent to prior cognitive conceptual frameworks, psychologists should model mechanisms and processes (sensory, motor, and cognitive) that are found in several complex behaviors. J Med Internet Res 2020 | vol 22 | iss. 12 | e23777 | p. 2 (page number not for citation purposes)
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