ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the major assessment goals that the neuropsychologist might wish to achieve. Assessment is a central issue in neuropsychology, and much more so than in most other branches of clinical psychology where assessment is often regarded as of little significance. The literature on neuropsychological assessment is heavily dominated by discussions on the use of neuropsychological tests to diagnose brain lesions; both their presence and approximate location within the brain. The value of the Trail-making Test as a diagnostic instrument depends on its ability to detect patients with brain lesion. The most significant development in clinical neuropsychology since the mid-1970s has undoubtedly been the growing interest in the rehabilitation and amelioration of those who have suffered neuropsychological impairments. A common issue in neuropsychological assessment is the measurement of change, either from some premorbid state, or as the result of some form of intervention, such as surgical or other forms of treatment.
