Key words
Neuropsychology
Objectives
As for the initial standards of competence, the newly-qualified bachelor in applied psychology will – besides his (or her) meta-cognitive skills – be able to:
1. regarding his (or her) psychodiagnostic actions
1.1. analyse a question or a task and, taking into consideration the information that is already available, to formulate, implement and evaluate a psychological test programme;
1.2. observe, diagnose, report (oral and written) and advise in response to a request made by a client, principal or client system, this in a professional, critical, deontological and ethically sound way;
1.3. select and hold job-specific psychological tests and put the clinical observations in order and interpret them statistically;
2. regarding the giving of information and advice
2.1. be able to objectively consult and use relevant, evidence-based literature and tools, databases, digital information and software;
2.2. discuss the test data with the client(s), principal or client system so as to give an insight into the problem and look for workable solutions and strategies;
2.3. motivate the client to consider further examination, treatment, counselling or specialist support;
3. in the research sphere
3.1. collaborate, in a scientifically sound way, on psychological research as regards the planning, preparation, processing of the results and reporting on the findings;
3.2. follow recent scientific advances and trends and implement them
Topics
Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between the brain and behaviour. In its research, neuropsychology incorporates physiological techniques and perception, statistical methods and psychological theories.
The subject-matter is presented thematically; the following topics are discussed:
- the diagnosis and symptoms of neuropsychological disorders, both qualitatively and quantitatively;
- the loss of certain mental processes due to cerebral pathology in adults, old people (gerontoneuropsychology) and children (developmental neuropsychology);
- disorders at level III (retrosplenial cortex): aphasias, language- and speech impediments in children, agnosias, apraxias, alexia and agraphia, dyslexia and dysgraphia in children;
- disorders at level II (limbic system): trauma capitis, alcoholic liver disease and dementia;
- disorders at level I (reticular activating system): coma, death, delirium/mental confusion/loss of functional ability;
- disorders at level IV (frontal system): the frontal syndrome;
- the different test methods and investigative techniques within neuropsychological research: single case and group studies, psychological and physiological techniques, a psychometric test battery;
- the treatments/therapies: e.g. logopaedics.
- discussion of case reports
Prerequisites
- Are fully conversant with the subject-matter of ‘biological basis of human behaviour 1’ and ‘psychodiagnostics 1’ (level 2).
- Functional consultation and assimilation of the specialist literature
Final Objectives
- Realizes now that neuropsychological research of abnormal mentation in humans can help improve our knowledge and understanding of normal mentation and vice versa (level 2)
- Is able to recognize, contextualize, analyse and interpret symptoms and dysfunctions in the context of specific neuropsychological syndromes in adults, old people and children (level 3).
- Functional consultation, use and assimilation of the specialist literature on neuropsychology (level 3).
- Job-specific selection of applicants; the holding of neuropsychological tests and interpreting the results (level 3).
- Are fully conversant with quantitative and qualitative diagnostic techniques and observation methods (level 3).
- Can objectively assess the possibilities and limitations of the test methods and investigative techniques that are used (level 3).
Materials used
- the syllabus and suggested references in the literature put up on the blackboard
- the course reader via the courseware department
- the student’s own notes
- recommended reading:
. Deelman, B., et al., Clinical neuropsychology Boom, Amsterdam, 2000.
. Vingerhoets, G. and Lannoo, E., Neuropsychology manual – the biological basis of human behaviour, Acco, Leuven, 1998.
- videos
- neuropsychological tests
Study costs
Exclusive of the recommended reading: ± 5.00 euros.
Study guidance
- weekly surgery
- sample exam questions and answers
Teaching Methods
- A lecture whose aim is to create a learning environment that is as interactive as possible. Formulation of the problem and communicating it clearly based on video material followed by the theoretical underpinning.
- Problem-driven education, drawing on case histories, texts and video fragments in tutorials and supervised independent learning.
- Discussion groups
- Guest speakers (with all reserve) drawn from that specialist field. Attending these lectures is a MUST.
Assessment
1. Paper:
- a critical discussion and assimilation of video fragments/case reports based on specialist literature (5 marks);
2. Written examination: free-response questions (15 marks)
Lecturer(s)
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