Cognitive biases are psychological errors in perception and judgment whereby humans automatically and unconsciously make meaning where meaning does not exist. Clinical neuropsychologists are no less susceptible to such errors in judgment. For example, it is unusual but not uncommon to see causality where there is only correlation or to ascribe human attributes to inanimate objects such as data. Such tendencies can get us in trouble when subjectivity outweighs objectivity in the neuropsychological assessment. This presentation helps to minimize pitfalls of bias and judgment. Two important scientific and clinical rules of thumb are presented to maximize the precision of data reporting and strengthen the objectivity of data description for clinicians and laypeople alike.
Learning Objectives:
1) Clarify the difference between standardized data and the clinical interpretation of standardized data
2) Understand the purpose and application of why test publishers use various standardized metrics to strengthen datapoint precision, clarity and interpretation
3) Apply appropriate descriptor terms—such as “normal”, abnormal”, “average”, “superior”, and “impaired”—when referring to clinical data, clinical conditions, and the examinee in a neuropsychological assessment
4) Eliminate ambiguity when describing standardized data versus clinical findings to professionals and laypeople
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Layman is a clinical neuropsychologist in independent practice assessing and treating complex neurological and psychological trauma in individuals, couples and families. He has worked in mental health for over 35 years and as a neuropsychologist for the past 20 years. He is board certified in clinical neuropsychology with the American Board of Professional Psychology. He teaches clinical neuropsychology topics for interns at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, and he has served as past-president (2016) and currently serves on the Committee for Communication and Social Media for the New York State Association of Neuropsychology.
This course is offered for 1.0 CE credits (1 hour)
$10 fee for NYSAN members
$30 fee for non-members
*New York State Association of Neuropsychology is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0052.*
*NYSAN is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NYSAN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.*