In this journal, Anstey et al. (2006) reported the results of a potentially important clinical study on the effect of cataract removal on the cognitive performance of older adults. Unfortunately, because of inappropriate data analyses, some reported results are meaningless. Consequently, the conclusions drawn by the authors regarding the impact of the cataract surgery cannot be considered valid.

Gilmore (2007) argues that the use of ANCOVA in Anstey et al. (2006) is invalid. Based on quotes in Winer (1971), he claims that covariates cannot be used to adjust interaction terms involving within-subject variables. Because the within-subject variable in Anstey et al. (2006) is time, he concludes that the results involving Time × Group interaction coefficient are invalid and consequently all analyses need to be re-done.

Brain and Culture: Neurobiology, Ideology, and Social Change, by Bruce E. Wexler. 2006. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 307 pp., $34.00 (HB).

In Brain and Culture: Neurobiology, Ideology, and Social Change, Bruce Wexler takes on the age old debate of “nature versus nurture.” His premise is that neurological and psychological functions are intrinsically tied to one another, that each one drives the development of the other, making it impossible to differentiate the two. In order to make his case, Dr. Wexler adeptly covers an impressive breadth of research from a diverse array of disciplines. He includes seminal works from cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, psychoanalysis, experimental psychology, sociology, anthropology, and of course, neuropsychology. Although Dr. Wexler does not present any new research in this book, by juxtaposing information from many disciplines, a new spin on the old debate clearly emerges.

The Effects of Estrogen on Brain Function. Natalie L. Rasgon (Ed.). 2006. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 167 pp., $49.95 (HB).

The Effects of Estrogen on Brain Function, edited by Natalie L. Rasgon, is a collection of chapters about estrogen written by experts from different scientific disciplines. The research and controversies surrounding cognitive and neurophysiological changes related to hormone replacement therapy, especially within the context of Alzheimer's disease, are a primary focus. Apparent discrepancies arising from animal models suggesting beneficial effects of estrogen on cognitive performance paired with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women are addressed, and relevant literature from basic science research on estrogen neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects at the cellular level to epidemiological studies in humans are discussed. Related research in neuroimaging and psychiatry are also included. However, one does not need an in-depth understanding of these diverse disciplines in order to come away from the book with a comprehensive understanding of the science and theoretical models involved. Although little time is spent on neuropsychological issues, the book should be of interest to anyone who does clinical assessment or research involving women. The effects of estrogen on cognitive performance are complex, as this book makes clear, and the information contained within this volume is relevant to the field of neuropsychology.

Inner Presence: Consciousness as a Biological Phenomenon, by Antti Revonsuo. 2006. Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT Press, 473 pp., $55.00 (HB).

In his Prologue, Antti Revonsuo describes the main task of his book: “To depict a biological research program on consciousness.” (pg. xviii). He is interested in drawing upon proven research strategies to describe how we can study consciousness from a biological perspective that would allow us to ultimately answer the question: “What the place of the subjective psychological reality is in the physical universe?” (pg. xvi). In short, why has consciousness as a biological reality emerged to aid the process of evolution?

Recent and Relevant.