The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery: A promise that may be partly fulfilled

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature to date on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB). Consideration of the literature leads to the conclusion that the battery does not meet the stated goal of combining Luria's qualification of the symptom approach with a standardized, quantitative approach to neuropsychological assessment. While the LNNB does not approximate Luria's approach, there are data to suggest that the battery may have potential as a quantitative, standardized battery. However, numerous substantial statistical and methodological problems with the research base preclude the endorsement of the battery for clinical use. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the LNNB in clinical situations will rest, not on the developer's and publisher's claims, or on detractor's critiques, but on carefully planned and well-executed research. Until such research appears, caution is urged to those who would attempt to use this instrument in clinical situations.