Internship Neuropsychology (Innovation and Research Track)

Course goals

After completing the internship, the student has:

• become acquainted with the practical aspects of scientific research within neuropsychology and acquired professional and personal skills that are important for functioning within this professional field.
• practiced with applying the research process within practice-oriented research. This starts with the development of a research question on the basis of literature review, setting up the research, collecting data, analysing and finally reporting the research findings. The full empirical cycle must be completed.
• gained experience in converting the research finding into a specific end product and being able to present this product in a skillful manner.

Relation between assessment and objective
The student is assessed on 1) the internship, 2) a presentation on the final product and 3) a scientific report. Getting acquainted with the practical aspects of scientific research is tested in criteria 1 and 3. Practicing applying the research process is also assessed in criteria 1 and 3. Converting a research finding into a specific end product is assessed under criterion 2.

Content

Neuropsychology investigates the relationship between brain and behavior. On the one hand, students are involved in the development and testing of models about relations between the human brain and functions such as memory, language, perception, motor skills, attention, emotion and intelligence. On the other hand, neuropsychology is focused on identifying cognitive deficits in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders and developing treatment methods.
Within the innovation internship Neuropsychology, the student will gain experience with the innovation and implementation of methods for neuropsychological assessment and treatment. The internship focuses on activities that contribute to improving the quality of assessment or treatment within neuropsychology, based on the principles of empirical research. Examples of projects within the innovation internship are:

- use of virtual or augmented reality in assessment and treatment of neuropsychological disorders
- collecting norm data for new neuropsychological tasks
- evaluation of cognitive training programs
- research into the digitization of neuropsychological methods

The innovation internship can be done both at and outside the university. The internship coordinator has a list of available projects. In addition, it is possible that students find an internship on their own. When doing so, students must consult with the internship coordinator at an early stage. More information on specific innovation internship projects will also be announced on Brightspace.

Aspects of academic development
Communication skills

• social-contact skills
• clear reporting of neuropsychological findings
• present

Professional skills

• academic thinking, working and acting as a neuropsychologist
• handling scientific instruments within neuropsychological research

Reflective skills

• placing the neuropsychological professional practice in an ethical perspective

Organizational skills

• working according to a plan

Skills in academic thinking

• studying and analyzing information
• synthesizing and structuring information

Skills in academic research

• analyzing and assessing research reports
• preparing and conducting research
• collecting and analyzing data
• reporting in writing about research