title: Finite case series or infinite single-case studies? Comments on "Case series investigations in cognitive neuropsychology" by Schwartz and Dell (2010).
abstract: In this commentary, though acknowledging that a case-series approach in neuropsychology is not always possible, we set out a series of considerations that in our view make this approach generally superior to single-case study. We argue that case-series designs are crucial for theory-testing, assessment of computational models, evaluation of inter-patient variation (including selection criteria, patient homogeneity/heterogeneity, premorbid individual differences, etc.) and to establish solid foundations for the interpretation of behavioural dissociations and associations. We conclude by suggesting that, alongside other neuroscience techniques, case-series cognitive neuropsychology provides a crucial contribution to the future of clinical and cognitive neuroscience.
authors: Neuroscience & Aphasia Research Unit, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. matt.lambon-ralph@manchester.ac.uk
authors: Matthew A
authors: MA
authors: Lambon Ralph
authors: Karalyn
authors: K
authors: Patterson
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Plaut
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000523:psychology*; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009484:Neuropsychology / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*