Edith Kaplan

Edith Kaplan
Born	1924 New York City, New York, USA
Died	September 3, 2009 Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Neuropsychologist
Known for	Development of the Boston Process Approach

Edith Kaplan (1924 – September 3, 2009) was a pioneering American neuropsychologist renowned for her work in the development of the Boston Process Approach to neuropsychological assessment. Her innovative methods have significantly influenced the field of clinical neuropsychology, particularly in the assessment and understanding of brain-behavior relationships.

Early Life and Education

Edith Kaplan was born in 1924 in New York City. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College, where she developed an interest in psychology. Kaplan went on to earn her master's degree from Columbia University and later completed her doctoral studies in clinical psychology at Harvard University.

Career

Kaplan began her career at the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital, where she worked alongside prominent figures such as Norman Geschwind. Her collaboration with Geschwind and others at the Boston University School of Medicine led to the development of the Boston Process Approach, a method that emphasizes the analysis of cognitive processes rather than merely focusing on test scores.

Boston Process Approach

The Boston Process Approach is a qualitative method of neuropsychological assessment that focuses on understanding the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to a patient's performance on neuropsychological tests. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that primarily emphasize quantitative scores. Kaplan's work in this area has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of how different brain regions contribute to cognitive functions.

Contributions to Neuropsychology

Kaplan's contributions to neuropsychology extend beyond the Boston Process Approach. She was a prolific author and educator, mentoring numerous students and professionals in the field. Her work has been influential in the study of aphasia, dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Kaplan received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to neuropsychology. She was a fellow of the American Psychological Association and received the Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Legacy

Edith Kaplan's legacy in neuropsychology is profound. Her innovative approaches to assessment have shaped the way clinicians and researchers understand and evaluate cognitive functions. Her work continues to influence contemporary neuropsychological practice and research.

Also see

• Neuropsychology
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Aphasia
• Dementia
• Norman Geschwind