Ecologically valid assessment of executive dysfunction using a novel virtual reality task in patients with acquired brain injury.

The current investigation sought to further establish the psychometric properties and ecological validity of the Multitasking in the City Test (MCT) in a clinical population. Ecological validity was addressed via correlational analyses between performance on this test and a subjective measure of everyday executive functioning (Frontal Systems Behavior Scale; FrSBe). The sample was composed of 13 individuals (11 males) who suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Development of a novel, ecologically oriented virtual reality measure of executive function: the Multitasking in the City Test.

A novel virtual reality executive function task (Multitasking in the City Test [MCT]) was developed with the aim of investigating planning and multitasking with ecological validity in mind in a normal population. Thirty healthy participants (21 females) completed a neuropsychological test battery that included the MCT along with standardized tests of executive and other cognitive functions. The sample performed within normal limits on the standardized tests.

Utilizing virtual reality to improve the ecological validity of clinical neuropsychology: an FMRI case study elucidating the neural basis of planning by comparing the Tower of London with a three-dimensional navigation task.

Virtual reality (VR) was used to create an ecologically valid spatial-navigation task in hand with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to articulate the neural basis of planning behavior. A virtual version of a traditional planning measure, the Tower of London, was also developed to ascertain convergent and divergent validity in terms of planning behavior and functional neuroanatomy. This VR-fMRI case study experiment was performed at 3.

The neuropsychology of ecstasy (MDMA) use: a quantitative review.

A growing number of empirical studies have found varying neuropsychological impairments associated with use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use. We set out to determine to what extent neuropsychological abilities are impaired in MDMA users. To do so, meta-analytical methods were used to determine the magnitude of neuropsychological impairment in MDMA users across pre-specified cognitive domains.

Assessing the relationship between insight and everyday executive deficits in schizophrenia: a pilot study.

Past research has found that deficits in insight into illness are related to executive deficits in schizophrenia. This study further explores this relationship with the utilization of an ecologically-valid battery of executive tests. The study included 21 patients with schizophrenia who were administered the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) and the first three items of the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder.