Attention can be conceptualized as comprising several basic processes. These include:

sensory selection (filtering, focusing, automatic switching)

response selection (response intention, initiation and inhibition, active switching, and executive supervisory control)

attentional capacity (structural and energetic capacity, arousal, effort)

sustained performance (fatigability, vigilance)

Memory refers to the complex processes by which the individual encodes, stores and retrieves information. Encoding refers to the processing of information to be stored whereas consolidation refers to the strengthening of the representations while they are stored.

working memory is concieved of as a limited-capacity store for retaining information over short term (seconds to 1-2 minutes) and for performing mental operations on the content of this store.

the contents of working memory may originate from sensory inputs but also may be retrieved from long term memory.

working memory allows information to guide behaviour in the absence of external cues and ensures that information will be available until it can be effectively encoded into long term memory.

long term memory refers to the permanent or more stable storage of memories. It is typically split into two major divisions:

explicit (conscious or declarative) memory-refers to intentional or conscious recollection of previous experiences.

implicit (unconcious or nondeclarartive or procedural) memory-refers to a heterogeneous collection of abilities (e.g. priming, skill learning or procedural memory, habit formation) that are manifested across a wide range of situations.

Executive functions are intrinsic to the ability to respond in an adaptive manner to novel situations and can be conceptualized as having four components

planning

volition

purposive action

effective performance

Visual-Spatial functions-it has been observed that higher level vision has two main goals: the identification of stimuli and their localization. These two goals are:

the identification of objects abbreviated as "what" ( visual )

spatial processing of objects abbreviated as "where" ( spatial )

Language funtion-because of the central importance of verbal communication deficits after brain damage as well a delays in language development in children, numerous tests of language function have been developed and involves functions such as:

receptive language vocabulary

lexical retrieval ability

Orientation functions comprises of :

Body Orientation

Right-Left orientation-discrimination of right from left

tactile form recognition, memory for shapes and spatial location

Motor functions- the motor performace usually of the hands is useful for identifying motor impairment and making inferences about the functional integrity of the two cerebral hemispheres. The measures are of somewhat seperate aspects of handedness such as:

preference

strength

speed

dexterity

Mood, Personality and Adaptive Functions-there are many ways in which neurological disorders and emotion can interact. The two major categories of functional abilities are commonly distinguished as:

activities of daily living typically known as ADLs, which focus on primarily on overlearned self care activities such as feeding, bathing, toileting and basic mobility.

instrumental activities of daily living, commonly known as IADLs, which are viewed as involving fairly complex cognitive abilities and include activities such as managing medication, finances and household duties.

the IADLs are of primary interests in test assessment.