Current Research:

The Neuropsychology Research Program is directed by Dr. Daniel Allen, and is designed to allow for the assessment of brain-behavior relationships using both clinical assessment procedures and neuroscience procedures. The program serves as a training site for doctoral candidates in the UNLV Psychology Departments Clinical or Applied Experimental doctoral programs who have specific neuropsychological or neuroscience interests. Currently, Dr. Allen advises 4 doctoral students who use the facility on a regular basis. The clinical assessment component of the Neuropsychology Laboratory has the capability of administering the major comprehensive neuropsychological batteries (e.g., the Halstead-Reitan) as well as a number of specialized batteries including the tests of Arthur Benton and his group and various aphasia batteries. The laboratory also performs functional assessments of cognitive abilities using such instruments as the Patient Assessment of Functioning Inventory and the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills. The laboratory has the hardware and software capacities to administer several of the recently developed computers tests (e.g.,  Wisconsin Card Sorting test, Stroop, CPT) and to use advanced computerized scoring systems.

In general, the laboratory is capable of administering standardized tests in traditional or computer-assisted forms, a wide variety of specialized procedures for evaluation of such areas as language, memory, and spatial skills, and a large number of individual neuropsychological and cognitive tests. Graduate students and research assistants who conduct evaluations and research in the Neuropsychology Laboratory are trained in the standardized administration and clinical and research based evaluation procedures by Dr. Allen. They are also trained in other areas including structured psychiatric interviewing (SCID IV, BPRS, SANS, SAPS, PANSS, etc.), data management, and statistical analysis. The laboratory is supported by state-of-the-art computing allowing for computer based test development, database management, graphics, and multivariate statistical analyses that are needed for the ongoing research programs.  

The laboratory also has numerous research resources such as computer based experiments (e.g. CPT, SOA, Backward Masking, Stroop), and additional research equipment such as 2 video-based eye-tracking systems, E-Prime software, serial response boxes, and voice activated microphone systems.  

In addition to equipment available in the Neuropsychology Laboratory, Dr. Allen works closely with Bradley Donohue, Ph.D., who directs the Achievement Center.

Current research investigations involve one of two major areas of research: Psychopathology and Emotion Processing. To obtain additional information regarding these research areas, please follow the corresponding links located on the left side of the page.

Department of Psychology
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway - Box 455030
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-5030
Telephone: (702) 895-1379