Lay summary
Maori have a high prevalence of neurological disorder (e.g. stroke and head injury) yet have neuropsychological processes imposed on them that lack cultural relevance and compares them against Australian-based standards. This research builds on research that examined Maori experiences of neuropsychological assessments, and aims to optimise outcomes and decisions for Maori requiring rehabilitation by establishing Maori-focused standards for thinking/cognitive performance. A Maori-centred quantitative research design will be used to gather data from 280 Maori without neurological impairment to establish Maori-focused standards. Means and standard deviations will be used to establish these standards. The outcome of this research will be (a) translation of results into guidelines for neuropsychologists working with Maori, and (b) dissemination via hui to relevant Maori groups and by peer-reviewed publications and presentations for professional groups. This research will enhance my research capability with Maori and contribute to the development of cultural competency in the discipline of neuropsychology.