Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans
Published on: June 10, 2018
Advantages and disadvantages of separate norms for African Americans
1Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Aging Brain and Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. jjm71@columbia.edu
Abstract:
Limitations of neuropsychological measures and normative data are exposed as use of these measures among culturally and linguistically different people expands in clinical and research settings. Several different tactics to solve the problem of poor specificity of cognitive measures among ethnic minorities have emerged in the literature; however, the development of separate racial/ethnic group norms has been the predominant approach. This commentary addresses the advantages and disadvantages of establishing separate norms for African Americans. Another approach, involving the deconstruction of race and education, may help to clarify the independent influences of race, culture, quality of education, and socioeconomic status on cognition and neuropsychological test performance.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Surveys
Self Within Cultural Contexts
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Cultural Influences on Personality
Stereotype Content Model

