Cognitive Neuropsychology Has Been, Is, And Will Be Significant To Aphasiology

BACKGROUND: In recent years, some critical voices have been raised in regard to the significance of cognitive neuropsychology (CNP) to the study of brain and mind. Given the central role of language disorders in CNP research, it is time to consider the relevance of this research approach in aphasiology. AIMS: We analyze the main points of criticism raised against the CNP research approach, evaluate the significance of this approach to the study of acquired language disorders, and make some suggestions concerning further development of the field. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: The main points of criticism against CNP (reliance on single-case studies; single-minded hunt for dissociations; emptiness of theorizing) have been important long-term concerns but do not take into account the fact that during its history of circa four decades, the CNP approach has diversified. There are thus CNP studies that rely on case series analyses, focus on error analyses rather than mere dissociations, or employ computational modeling rather than the "boxes-and-arrows" models of the mental architecture. The CNP approach to cognition and its disorders is thus applicable to different research questions and theoretical stances, providing experimental rigor to single-case patient studies. With regard to clinical applications in aphasia diagnostics and treatment, the CNP approach provides a richer view on the strengths and weaknesses of a patient's cognitive-linguistic abilities. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that CNP case studies continue to be an important source of information for generating hypotheses and providing converging evidence for research on the mind and on the brain. There is however a need for further research development especially in computational modeling of language processes, their impairments, and recovery. This research is expected to provide further benefit to clinical diagnostics and treatment of aphasia.