Paradigm Shift Toward Digital Neuropsychology and High-Dimensional Neuropsychological Assessments: Review (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED Neuropsychologists in the digital age have increasing access to emerging technologies. National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives for behavioral and social sciences have emphasized these developing scientific and technological potentials (e.g. novel sensors) for augmented characterization of neurocognitive, behavioral, affective, and social processes. Perhaps these innovative technologies will lead to a paradigm shift from disintegrated and data-poor behavioral science to cohesive and data-rich science that permits improved translation from bench to bedside. Four main advances influencing the scientific priorities of a recent NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) strategic plan include the following: 1) integrating neuroscience into behavioral and social sciences; 2) transformational advances in measurement science; 3) digital intervention platforms; and 4) large-scale population cohorts and data integration. This chapter reviews these opportunities for novel means of brain–behavior characterizations. Emphasis placed on neuropsychology’s increasing concerned with these topics and need for development in these areas to maintain relevance as a scientific discipline and advance scientific developments. Furthermore, effects of such advancements necessitate discussion and modification of training, as well as ethical and legal mandates for neuropsychological research and praxes.