Understanding the Ecological Validity of Neuropsychological Testing Using an Ethnographic Approach

Abstract

Neurocognitive impairment is a defining and disabling feature of schizophrenia and other physical disorders. Most of our understanding about neurocognitive deficits comes from laboratory-based testing in research protocols. There has been little research using direct behavioral community observation over a prolonged period to understand the association of daily functioning with cognitive performance.The purpose of this study was to develop an observational method that could be replicated by researchers interested in viewing cognitive deficits in vivo, and then comparing this data to laboratory measures to affirm the ecological validity of those measures.The eight-step method explained here was developed from the targeted ethnographic study of 10 persons with schizophrenia. Obtaining real world context with this method will help to increase the generalizability of effective cognitive treatments, create improved interventions for this population, and bring into greater relief the coping and compensatory strategies already used by individuals to complete daily tasks.

Rosemary L Farmer, Neuroscience and social work: The missing link

“…We had a couple of very enjoyable discussions where I began to learn that Keryn was hungry for more health-connected course work but specifically she had a fascination for neuroscience, and pondered why social work did not include this in the curriculum. I have also held this interest in neurocognition and have published two articles exploring neurocognition and community functioning in individuals with schizophrenia (Brekke et al., 2007; Gioia, 2009; Gioia and Brekke, 2009), and welcomed the chance to begin a conversation. Below are some of Keryn’s thoughts on her journey to explore this topic:“ As a first year social work student, I sat in class trying to listen while my mind wandered to neuropsychological phenomena and the organization of the brain.…”