Neuropsychology: Overview, Applications and Analysis

physiological psychology Overview, Applications and compend psychophysiology, the Newest Tool in PsychologyneuropsychologyAndrew DavisTable of Contents (Jump to)1) An instauration2) neuropsychology as a new-made field2.1) Key ground in physiological psychologyClinical NeuropsychologyExperi mental Neuropsychologycognitive Neuropsychology2.2) the role that Neuropsychology plays3) The history of Neuropsychology4) The difference among fields cogitate to Neuropsychology5) Neuropsychology in confederation Africa6) relevance of Neuropsychology for Counsellors7) ConclusionThe authors school principal, and his thought processes deferred payment listing1) An IntroductionHumans resist change. Humans resist the new.It is with the above mantra in mind, this text will explore Neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is one of the newest disciplines inside psychology, and hence subject to wariness if not revulsion by those involved in psychology, due al close solely on its newness. Registered Counsellors in southwest Africa pil dispiritedcase an interesting dilemma in an effort to be as sound as possible Neuropsychology moldiness be utilized, however, its newness creates a problem. Re-educating counsellings cost time and money in a nation that cannot afford it, solely not doing so leads to an almost unethical practice of wil adequatey excluding the workout of a tool that aids in ones work.It is with this in mind that this text aims to provide an exploration of Neuropsychology in the succeeding(a) categories Neuropsychology as a new field, important terminology in this field, the role that it plays, the history of Neuropsychology in short, differentiation of Neuropsychology and link up disciplines, and fin eachy an exploration of Neuropsychology within South Africa and its relevance to Registered Counsellors.A representation of the authors brain and mental processes will alike be included.2) Neuropsychology as a new fieldNeuropsychology is a new field even when co mpared to Psychology itself, a scholarship that has sole(prenominal) formally existed for little compared to other medical sciences- and so is associated with a good deal confusion. An excellent and concise definition is that Neuropsychology is, the scientific investigation of light, that is, of all mental abilities perception, attention, learning, remembrance, processing of spoken and written language, thinking, reasoning and belief formation (Coltheart, 2002139). There are several term in Neuropsychology that must be known.2.1) Key terms in NeuropsychologyAs with most fields of science, there are numerous technical concepts and terms. The following terms are important if one wishes to become familiar at Neuropsychology, only pale in comparison to the more technical terms that a NeuropsychologistsClinical NeuropsychologyClinical Neuropsychology, Is a specialty in master psychology that applies principles of assessment and intervention based upon the scientific study of cl ement behaviour sic as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central tense system (American Psychological railroad tie, 2010). Clinical Neuropsychologists are pre- work with normality and abnormity of the brain and stumper with regards to psychological (mental) functioning, and how to correct the abnormal. This is the branch of Neuropsychology most involved in psychological illness and damage.Experimental NeuropsychologyExperimental Neuropsychology is occupied with the researching of cognition and behaviour ( in all Psychology Careers, n.d.). As with all science, Experimental Neuropsychology provides the research, studies, and empirical observations that validate the theory throughout psychology as a whole. Experimental Neuropsychology is therefore of par measure importance in Neuropsychology, as it provides the basis for theories.cognitive NeuropsychologyCognitive Neuropsychology is focused on hew the specifics of the brains form and functions translates into ment al (psychological) processes.2.2) the role that Neuropsychology plays3) The history of NeuropsychologyAlthough the relation between the mind and a thinking-organ (once thought of the heart, but some(prenominal) times as the brain) and behaviour, cognition, and emotion have been known and explored for millennia, from philosophers, holy men, and apothecaries, to physicians and healers (Stanley, 2000) it is only since the middle of the nineteenth-century that Neuropsychology has been scientifically defined (Hallett, n.d.).The now famous Broca, Wernicke, and Dax were the outset to observe an empirical link between damage to specific areas of the brain and the disruption of speech (as well as comprehension of speech (Hallett, n.d., Banich Compton, 2011). once empirical science was first used it has become both the de jure and the de particularo manner in which theory and practice regarding Neuropsychology have been linked. No monthlong did theory disregard observation.Due to the l imitation of equipment, there was little come in Neuropsychology until the development of brain-imaging technology, as only autopsies could conclusively be used to observe most types of brain damage. This technological disadvantage acted in conjunction with the rise of the behavioural perspective of Psychology to place Neuropsychology out of favour (Coltheart,2008) .Once magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was invented followed rapidly by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)- was developed, the cognitive sciences march on again, thus allowing the activity of the brain to be viewed while the observed was conscious and thinking, or moving. This allowed real-time comparison between the brain, thoughts and actions (All Psychology Careers, n.d. 2)4) The difference between fields link to NeuropsychologyThere is a large amount of overlap with Neuropsychology and the medical (more physically minded) cognitive sciences. These differences must be known so as to avoid confusion.Cogn itive Neuroscience, is different from Neuropsychology in that although the two disciples are involved in brain-damage and the information related to it, Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on the underlying neural mechanism that lies below cognition (Daniel, 2000)Cognitive Science, is different from Neuropsychology5) Neuropsychology in South AfricaSouth Africa has an independent institution regarding Neuropsychology, the South African Clinical neuropsychological Association (SACNA) which aims to, promote and stimulate interest in the field of neuropsychology, while maintaining standards in neuropsychological practice. This is achieved by ensuring that its full members have demonstrated knowledge and competence in the field, by way of examination and peer review (SACNA, n.d.). The compositions website provides links for psychologists to become part of the organization and all the benefits that it entails, as well as provide educational workshops (SACNA, n.d.). The website also provides a federal agency to find a Neuropsychologist (SACNA, n.d.).South Africas status as a developing nation translates into a lack of funding for social services, as well as a lack of disposable income to pay for services. Therefore, the material body of specialisers such as Neuropsychologists is low, but the number of Registered Counsellors is higher, but still low compared to the ideal an ideal where there was never a lack of mental wellness experts for those in need.6) Relevance of Neuropsychology for CounsellorsIn the South African context, registered counsellors act within the role of gatekeepers to psychological support. In short, if a counsellor cannot support a client due to the client presenting issues and problems outside of the limit remit of counselling, the counsellor will then decide who to refer their clients to so that experts in specific psychological fields.Therefore, it is of paramount importance that counsellors be meliorate with enough of these more specialist f ields so that a full decision on referral is made with the fullest amount of knowledge to back it.As counsellors act as gatekeepers, specialists are kept protected from overwork. This is due to the fact that a lower bar of entry (not necessarily a veto thing) for counsellors translates to there being a larger number than more specialist psychological health professionals who are fewer in number, and able to accost few people.7) In conclusionNeuropsychology is an interesting and powerful new part that resides in Psychology as a whole, but is related to Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Science in a way that bridge over the physical and the mental. It is the bridge that connects two, once separate, worlds.Neuropsychology is not only the human race of expert specialists, but should also count all mental health professionals as part of it. Due to the relatively tiny amount of Neuropsychological specialists registered counsellors must act as gatekeepers referring those who require Neuropsychological aid to Neuropsychologists, and referring or keeping those who require different help.The authors brain, and his thought processesReference ListAll Psychology Careers. (n.d. 1). What is Experimental Neuropsychology?. Retrieved 6 April, 2015 from http//www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/experimental-neuropsychology.htmlAll Psychology Careers. (n.d. 2). Cognitive Neuropsychology. Retrieved 6 April, 2015 from http//www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/cognitive-neuropsychology.htmlAmerican Psychological Association. (2010). Clinical Neuropsychology. Retrieved 6 April, 2015 from http//www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/neuro.aspxBanich, M.T., Compton, R.J. (2011). Cognitive Neuroscience International edition (Third ed.).Wadsworth Cengage Learning.Coltheart, M. (2002). Cognitive neuropsychology. In Wixted, J. (Ed.) Stevens Handbook of Experimental Psychology, Third Edition Volume 4 Methodology. John Wiley Sons, pp 139-174. Coltheart, M. (2008). Cognitive neuropsychol ogy. Retrieved 6 April, 2015 from http//www.scholarpedia.org/article/Cognitive_neuropsychologyDaniel, L.S. (2000). Understanding Implicit memory A cognitive neuroscience approach. In Gazzaniga, M.S. Cognitive Neuroscience A Reader. WileyHallett, S. (n.d.). Neuropsychology. Retrieved 6 April, 2015 from http//www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/semBasNeuro_chapter5.pdfSACNA. ( n.d.). South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association. Retrieved 5 April, 2015 from http//www.sacna.co.za/Stanley, F. (2000). Minds behind the Brain A history of the pioneers and their discoveries. London Oxford University Press.