Clinical Neuropsychology and Technology

Thomas D. Parsons, PhD is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of North Texas. Prior to joining the faculty at UNT, he was an Assistant Professor and Research Scientist at the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies. His work integrates neuropsychology and simulation technologies for novel assessment, modeling, and training of neurocognitive and affective processes. He is a leading scientist in this area and he has directed 17 funded projects during his career and he has been an investigator on an additional 13 funded projects. In addition to his patents for the eHarmony.com Matching System, he has invented and validated virtual reality-based assessments of attention, spatial abilities, memory, and executive functions. He uses neural networks and machine learning to model mechanisms underlying reinforcement learning, decision making, working memory, and inhibitory control. He has over 100 publications in peer reviewed journals and book chapters. His contributions to neuropsychology were recognized when he received the 2013 National Academy of Neuropsychology Early Career Achievement award. In 2014, he was awarded Fellow status in the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Introduction.- Historical development of neuropsychology's changing roles and tools.- Improved ecological validity throughout enhanced technologies.- Frontal subcortical circuits and modeling of hot and cool cognitive functioning.- Assessment.- Overview of computerized neuropsychological assessment devices.- Psychometric issues in neuropsychological assessment using novel technologies.- Construct-driven technologies for assessments of cognitive functioning.- Function-led scenarios: representativeness and generalizability.- Rehabilitation.- Gamification of neurocognitive approaches to rehabilitation.- Neurocognitive and psychophysiological interfaces for adaptive rehabilitation.- Neuroimaging to model neurocognitive function and guide rehabilitation.- Telemedicine and e-Health.- Teleneuropsychology and evidence-based practice.- Ecological momentary interventions: incorporating mobile technology.- Metaverse platforms and the potential of assessment using MOMPGs.- Neuroinformatics for Neuropsychologists.- Artificial neural networks: from neuroscience to clinical neuropsychology.- Interpreting technologically enhanced neuropsychological assessment data.- Collaborative neuropsychological knowledge bases.- Conclusions.- Advanced technology and assessment: ethical and methodological considerations.- Future prospects for a computational neuropsychology.

"Thomas Parsons's book ... serves as a call to arms for practicing neuropsychologists, neuropsychologists in training, and clinical training programs. ... Parsons's book drives home the need for neuropsychologists and test developers to embrace advances in technology, to move forward in adopting new test methods, and to implement a new standard and paradigm for developing neuropsychological measures. The intended audience includes neuropsychologists, students of neuropsychology, and individuals with computer programming experience and an interest in brain and behavior." (Laura Grande, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 61 (52), December, 2016)