Midterm: Scoring the WAIS

Question 1

How to transfer raw scores to scaled scores?

Answer 1

1. Transfer the total raw score to appropriate blank square on score conversion page
2. Find scaled score equivalent in Table A.1 on the page listing the examinee’s age
3. Record each scaled score in the appropriate columns in score conversion table

Question 2

How to convert scaled scores to IQ and Index scores?

Answer 2

1. Calculate the sum of appropriate scaled scores for each index score
2. Record sums in bottom row
3. Add sum of scaled scores for each index score to obtain sum for FSIQ
4. Transfer sums to Composite Score Conversion table
5. Determine and record appropriate standard score for each sum of scaled scores from Tables A.3 to A.7
6. Determine and record percentile rank and confidence interval for each score

Question 3

How to score with judgement?

Answer 3

usually on verbal 4 subtests; judgement required for unique responses; samples are used as guides; score CONTENT, not expression

Question 4

What can spoil a response?

Answer 4

Elaboration or response to query reveals a misconception or impoverished response

• Example: In what way are an hour and a week alike?
• Answer: Time (a one point answer according to example)
• Response to query (Q): “Weeks are on a calendar and an hour is on my watch” (a spoiled or 0 response)

Question 5

What to do if there’s multiple responses?

Answer 5

Score the final response when this clearly is the intent; If some parts of response are correct and some not, and which is final answer is unclear, ask:
“You said _____, _____, and _____. Which one was your answer?”

Question 6

Similarities scoring rules

Answer 6

2 Points
-A major classification, property, or concept that is pertinent to both members of the pair

1 Point

• A specific property or function common to both
• Less pertinent but correct general classifications

O Points

• Specific properties of each member of the pair
• Generalizations that are incorrect
• Generalizations that are not pertinent
• Differences between members of the pair
• Clearly wrong responses

Question 7

Vocabulary scoring rules

Answer 7

2 Points

• Good synonym (“Ponder means contemplate”)
• Major use (“A bed is to sleep on”)
• General classification to which word belongs (“An apple is a fruit”)
• One or more definitive features (“Breakfast is the meal eaten in the morning”)
• Good figurative use (“He consumed every new idea he encountered”)
• Shows understanding with several correct but less definitive features (“Remorse is a feeling of sorrow and guilt you get”)
• For verbs gives definitive example of action or causal relationship (“You can confide in someone you trust”)

1 Point

• Expresses vague or less pertinent synonym (“Tranquil means easy going”)
• Minor or unelaborated use (“Breakfast is a meal”)
• Correct but not definitive or distinguishing feature, not improved by (Q) (“If you’re reluctant you’re not ready”)
• Unelaborated example using the word (“You have compassion when you help someone”)
• Concrete, unelaborated instance of the word (“There are acute angles”)
• Correct definition of a related form of the word (e.g., defining termination instead of terminate)

0 Points

• Obviously wrong response
• Verbalizations that show no real understanding after inquiry (“Assemble the pieces”)
• Regionalisms or slang not in dictionary
• Demonstration not elaborated in words (e.g., demonstrates putting glove on hand)
• Even after inquiry, responses that are vague or trivial or show a great poverty of content (“Confide means not to tell everyone”)

Question 8

Comprehension scoring rules

Answer 8

2 Points
-Expresses 2-point general concept in manual

1 Point
-Expresses 1-point general concept from manual

0 Points

• Vague, trivial responses
• Does not address the question