Luria’s Neuropsychological Test Battery aims to assess a variety of higher mental functions through practical tasks and observations of their performance, including:
1) Attention Tests: A task is to focus on a specific motor or repetitive task for a specific period. The goal is to measure the ability to maintain attention, resist distractions, and regulate mental effort during continuous work. Examples are drawing certain symbols in a series of other symbols or reacting to certain stimuli in a sequential order – proofreading.
2) Memory tests: The task is to memorize a sequence of objects, words, images or events for a short or long period. The goal is to assess short-term memory, logical memory, and the ability to retrieve information. Examples are reproducing a sequence of numbers or words (10 words is the basic technique), recalling images after a quick glance, or telling a short story.
3) Planning and Organization Tests (Higher Executive Functions): The task is to solve problems that require performing a sequence of steps, developing a plan, and adapting to changes in concept during the task. The goal is to measure planning ability, cognitive flexibility, and volitional organization. Examples are the Tower of London: arranging discs according to certain rules to achieve a goal. Sequence and sorting tests: arranging cards or pictures in a logical sequence.
4) Cognitive Flexibility Tests: A task is to switch between different rules or multiple tasks. The goal is to measure the brain’s ability to adapt to change, change strategies, and control automatic responses. An example is the Stroop test.
5) Tests for speech abilities: The task is to assess the understanding and expression of ideas through language. The goal is to measure speech functions related to executive functions, such as self-regulation and the use of speech as a tool for organizing thinking. Examples are retelling a story, naming pictures or building sentences according to certain rules.
6) Qualitative behavioral observations: The task of a neuropsychologist is to observe the child while performing tasks or playing. The goal is to monitor problem-solving strategies, the child’s mistakes, emotional reactions, and the integration of cognitive and motor processes.