Abstract :
Since many neuropsychologists utilize the Halstead Reitan Battery (HRB), it is important to answer a critical review contained in Lezakʹs (1995) book. Lezak understands hypothesis testing but not HRB pattern analysis or the use of fixed batteries. A fixed battery provides a constant background, which reveals individual characteristics of the patient. Issues discussed include, types of batteries, legitimate review methods, and Reitanʹs method. This writing demonstrates that almost all of Lezakʹs criticisms of either the HRB or the Halstead Russell Neuropsychological Evaluation System (HRNES) are either incomplete, misleading or erroneous. Her critique of the Reitan method involved a confusion of terms. In spite of attempts to discredit the HRB not a single sound study questioning the validity of the HRB was presented, while many studies have demonstrated its validity. The fallacy of nonrefutation asserts that it is a fallacy to condemn methods that have been validated while recommending procedures that have not been validated. Lezak questions Reitanʹs method, the HRB and the HRNES, which have been thoroughly validated, while presenting no validating studies of her own recommended methods.
