title: Methodological considerations in the use of attribute variables in neuropsychological research.
abstract: This paper examines the conceptual and statistical difficulties created when neuropsychological research uses attribute variables in traditional orthogonal experimental designs. It is argued that attribute variables, as a result of their statistical and theoretical nonindependence, break the underlying assumptions of these traditional designs, and may lead to incorrect inferences being drawn. These difficulties are illustrated in a consideration of the typical use of analysis of variance designs, matched groups designs, and the analysis of covariance. Finally, a plea is made for the explicit consideration of the assumptions underlying the design models used in neuropsychological research, and a suggestion is made regarding the more appropriate use of correlational techniques in neuropsychology.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012107:Research Design