Discusses the relationship between the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery (HRNTB) and the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB), examining the role of intelligence and related factors in this relationship. The problems with using a postmorbid IQ as a covariate in assessing the relationship between 2 neuropsychological tests are discussed. Such a procedure corrects for degree and severity of brain injury in addition to premorbid levels of intelligence. Alternative measures such as education are suggested, which can be employed as a covariate controlling for premorbid intelligence. The changes in findings that occur using education as a covariate are demonstrated. The authors also discuss the relative diagnostic utility of the WAIS vs the HRNTB or the LNNB and emphasize the importance of comparing batteries not only on hit rates for gross discriminations of brain damage but also for more fine descriptions of the patient's behavior and for predictive validity. (4 ref)