Utilization rates of ecologically oriented instruments among clinical neuropsychologists

The ecological validity of neuropsychological instruments has become an important topic in recent decades, as neuropsychologists are asked to address real-world outcomes with increasing frequency. Although novel instruments that tap skills required for everyday functioning have been developed, it is unclear whether these instruments are migrating from research laboratories into the applied settings of clinical neuropsychologists. The current study surveyed assessment practices of neuropsychologists with regard to their utilization of instruments designed with ecological concerns in mind. Respondents included 747 North American, doctorate-level psychologists (40% usable response rate) affiliated with Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, National Academy of Neuropsychology, or the International Neuropsychological Society. Results indicated that approximately one-third of respondents reported use of ecologically oriented instruments (EOIs), and these instruments were generally utilized with much less frequency than traditional measures. Additionally, certain practice demographics affected usage rates of EOIs. Study findings are interpreted in the context of a growing body of literature that calls attention to the importance of developing and utilizing instruments that are able to handle the complex, real-world issues increasingly addressed during the neuropsychological assessment process.