The influence of culture on cognition

Journal/Book: Arch Clin Neuropsych. 1999; 14: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 581-592.

Abstract: This article presents a theoretical and methodological framework that seeks to integrate multiple sources of pertinent data that must be taken into account to interpret neuropsychological test results of individuals of non-European ancestry. It is proposed that cultural factors have a determining influence on an individual's behavior,regardless of the neurophysiological status of the brain. A differentiation is made between the effects of culture/language and socioeconomic level on cognitive testing results and suggestions are made to assist in discriminating between these variables. Taking as illustration the assessment of Latino patients, focus is given to the accurate neuropsychological evaluation of individuals with little education, of non-European cultures, and with a primary language other than English.

Note: Article Perez-Arce P, Community Hlth Network, Castro Mission Hlth Ctr, 3850 17th St, San Francisco,CA 94114 USA

Keyword(s): ecological neuropsychology; culture; cognition; language minorities; AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY

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