The effects of race on neuropsychological performance are considered to be confounded with socioeconomic differences and so are still largely controversial (see 16). However, the lack of effect of ethnic group on neuropsychological test performance found in the present study is in agreement with previous findings from our group (1,12). Therefore, it would appear that ethnic group has no bearing on test performance of children residing in the greater Rio de Janeiro
area. In addition, the lack of effect of social class on neuropsychological test performance also reported in the present study is consistent with previous data from our group (1,12). Before we conclude that social class is unimportant for the neuropsychological performance of children residing in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, it should be noted that indices of socioeconomic status are usually reported to be related to neuropsychological performance (16,17). Therefore, the present results seem to be inconsistent with the available evidence.