Utility of a verbal reasoning test in indicating vocational readiness following traumatic brain injury.
Present tests are often inadequate to assess subtle aspects of cognitive-communicative functioning following traumatic brain injury (TBI), making it difficult to predict vocational readiness, particularly for those in professional occupations. This study examined the viability of the Ross Test of Higher Cognitive Processes (RTHCP) as a measure of verbal reasoning deficits following TBI. The verbal reasoning performance of a 43-year-old lawyer with TBI was compared, at two stages in his rehabilitation, to that of a peer group of lawyers (n = 43). The RTHCP detected noticeable differences in speed and accuracy of performance at different stages of recovery. The RTHCP also revealed individual differences among the peer group, who presumably were competent in verbal reasoning. Thus, the RTHCP may be an effective tool to measure subtle deficits in verbal reasoning post-TBI. Some cautions in using this test for the TBI population are presented, as well as suggestions for further test development and validation.
MacDonald
S
S
Department of Speech Pathology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Johnson
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003210:Concept Formation; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D011340:Problem Solving; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D014705:Verbal Behavior