ABSTRACT
Computers are playing an increasing role in neuropsychological assessment. Most often, computers are used to assist in the scoring of tests. However, it is becoming increasingly more common to have one or more tests administered on a computer. Some of these tests are likely to be computer versions of conventional neuropsychological tests (e.g., the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test or Halstead Category Test). Others are likely to be tests that were developed specifically for administration on computers (e.g., continuous performance tests). This shift from paper-and-pencil testing to computerized test administration and scoring may be seen as a byproduct of the ubiquitous nature of the desktop personal computer. Has this computerization made a truly significant contribution to neuropsychological assessment, or is this simply new wine in old bottles? What are the benefits of computer applications in neuropsychological assessment? The present chapter offers answers to these questions and provides an overview of computer applications in neuropsychological assessment. The chapter also provides a discussion of many of the issues surrounding the use of computers in neuropsychological test administration.
