Luria's Approach to Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract

A. R. Luria's approach to neuropsychological assessment was examined. Three basic points of departure from Luria are presented: his interpretation of cognitive activity as functional systems, his emphasis on the individualized approach, and the importance of the analysis of the errors. A distinction was introduced between Luria's neuropsychological testing, and Luria's neuropsychological approach; the former refers to the specific set of neuropsychological tests Luria used and developed and the latter, to the specific clinical use of these tests. It is emphasized that Luria's basic contribution to assessment in neuropsychology, refers to the clinical approach he proposed and developed. Problems related to the normalization and validity of neuropsychological tests are analyzed. It is concluded that different approaches in neuropsychological assessment are related to the specific goals for which neuropsychological assessment is performed.