Neuropsychology - WAIS Testing

Question 1

What dos WAIS - IV stand for?

Answer 1

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

Question 2

What does the WAIS -IV measure?

Answer 2

• It measures intelligence functioning - IQ
• Theoretically measures Spearman’s G (g=general intelligence)
• Measures FSIQ full scale IQ and other measures

Question 3

Describe the overall factor structure of the WAIS - IV

Answer 3

1. Verbal comprehension Index 2. Perceptual Reasoning Index 3. Working memory Index 4. Processing Speed Index

Question 4

What are the Core and Supplemental Areas tested under Verbal Comprehension?

Answer 4

Verbal Comprehension: Core; Similarities; Vocabulary; Information (general knowledge) Supplemental; Comprehension

Question 5

What are the Core and Supplemental Areas tested under Perceptual Reasoning?

Answer 5

Perceptual Reasoning Core; Block design; Matrix; Visual Puzzels Supplemental; Pic Comprehension ; * Figure Weights

Question 6

What are the Core and Supplemental Areas tested under Working Memory?

Answer 6

Working Memory; Core; Digit Span; Arithmetic Supplemental; Letter Number Sequence

Question 7

What are the Core and Supplemental Areas tested under Processing Speed?

Answer 7

Processing Speed; Core; Coding M; Clerical typing speed ; Symbol Search - M; speed of visual search Supplemental; Cancellation - Measures; Speed of visual discrimination

Question 8

What would it mean if someone had a difficulty/deficit in verbal comprehension?

Answer 8

They could have difficulty understanding instructions; may be slower to respond and appear to have other difficulties or seem defiant etc behaviour issues

Question 9

What are the strengths of the WAIS- IV?

Answer 9

Normative data Rigorous Standardisation Good reliability Stable IQ and Index Scores Co-Linking with other tests (e.g. WIAT) Well-known

Question 10

What are the weaknesses of the WAIS - IV

Answer 10

Some concerns about how well linked to theoretical understanding of intelligence Can be easy to ‘over-interpret’, particularly individual subtests Missing thorough exploration of executive functioning, personality, social intelligence Danger in labeling a child with one number: the “IQ” and limited application Use of IQ cut-offs for services & funding Functional abilities

Question 11

What are some of the applications of the WAIS-IV

Answer 11

Intelligence testing, e.g. Intellectual disability, although also need poor adaptive functioning Exploration of learning disorders Exploration of giftedness Strengths and weaknesses

Question 12

What are some of the applications of the WAIS-IV

Answer 12

Intelligence testing, e.g. Intellectual disability, although also need poor adaptive functioning Learning disorders Giftedness Strengths and weaknesses

Question 13

What is the mean and SD of Index’s on the WAIS- IV?

Answer 13

Mean = 100 SD = 15

Question 14

What is the Mean and SD on for the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ)

Answer 14

Mean = 100 SD = 15

Question 15

what if the Index scores are too far apart? What does this mean?

Answer 15

If there is a discrepancy between the index scores and it is more that 1.5 SD (23 points) from the other scores then the FSIQ lacks integrity

Question 16

Using a specific neurological test as an example, describe 3 limitations of each test. For each one suggest a way in which the limitation can be overcome

Answer 16

• Concern NOT well linked THEORETCAL understanding of intelligence
• Can be easy to ‘OVER INTERPRET’, particularly individual subtests
• MISSING thorough exploration of EXEC functioning, PERSONALITY, SOCIAL iNTELelligence
• Danger in LABELLING a child with one number: the “IQ”
• LIMITED APPLICATION
• Use of IQ cut-offs for services and funding
• FUNCTIONAL abilities

1. OVER INTERPRET. - keep that in mind and perhaps do other testing too

2. MISSING Thourough Exploration PERSONALITY - other testing

3. Danger in Labelling - explain in conjuction with otehr aspects of fnctioning perhaps creativity/personality as a part not the whole exploration,perhaps do observation