Determine the term - Neuropsychological approach

The neuropsychological approach relies on the use of tests in which poor performance may indicate either focal (localised) or diffuse (widespread) brain damage. A neuropsychological assessment serves several purposes. First, it can give a 'neuro-cognitive' profile of an individual, identifying both strengths and weaknesses. For example, an individual's initial assessment may highlight a specific problem with spatial memory set against a background of above average IQ. Since many tests are 'standardised', a person's performance can be readily compared with scores generated by other age and or sex matched respondents (a process known as norm referencing). A second advantage is that repeating testing over time can give an insight into changes in cognitive functioning that may relate either to recovery after accident injury or the progression of neurological illness.