WAIS-IV Flashcards
Structure of WAIS-IV
A four index framework, which includes:
Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)
Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)
Working Memory Index (WMI)
Processing Speed Index (PSI)
What is an Index made up of
Core subtests and Supplemental subtests
What are core subtests
Used when a composite score is desired
Supplemental subtests
Used to extend the range of the Index the subtest is in
Adds additional clinical info
Acts as a discrepancy analyses
VCI
Verbal Comprehension Index
Core tests include: similarities, vocabulary, and information.
Supplemental subtests include: comprehension
PRI
Perceptual Reasoning Index
Core subtests: block design, matrix reasoning, and visual puzzles.
Supplemental subtests: figure weights (16-99), and picture completion.
Assessment done at West Niagara versus School system
West Niagara Psychology Center completes Psychological assessment.
School systems typically conduct psycho educational assessment
Psychological assessment versus psycho-educational assessment
Psychological is all encompassing and broader, looking into personality, intelligence, motor skills, memory, etc.
Psychosducational assessment only evaluates the learning piece.
Psychological assessment process
History intake
Standardized measures
Self & observe reports
Write report
Present report
WMI
Working Memory Index
Core Subtests: Digit Span (DS), Arithmetic (AR)
Supplemental Subtests: Letter-Number Sequence (16-99; LN)
PSI
Processing Speed Tests
Core Subtests: Symbol Search, Coding
Supplemental: Cancellation (16-99; CA)
When core subtests are administered
composite scores are desired
If a subtest score is invalid…
a supplemental subtest may must be completed from each of the four index frameworks
FSIQ =
VCI + PRI + WMI + PSI
General Ability Index
GAI is an optional composite score, derived from the sum of VCI and PRI.
Provides a LESS sensitive score than the FSIQ
FSIQ
Considered the most valid measure of overall cognitive ability
WAIS-IV & Neuropsychological deficits
Examinees with neuropsychological deficits may perform poorly on WMI & PSI.
If this occurs, this will mask actual differences between the FSIQ and other possible cognitive functions.
Similarities Subtest Procedure
Core subtest for VCI
Examinee presented two words which represent common objects/concepts and note their similarities.
Similarities Subtest measures
Verbal concept formation and reasoning
Similarities involve
Crystallized Intelligence, abstract reasoning, auditory Comprehension, memory associative & categorical reasoning, distinction between essential & non-essential features, and verbal expression.
Vocabulary Subtest procedure
Core subtest for VCI
For Picture Items: examinee names the object presented visually
For verbal items: examinee defined words visually and orally.
Made up of 30 items: 3 pictures and 27 verbal.
Vocabulary subtest measures
Examinee’s knowledge & verbal concept formation.
Also measures crystallized intelligence, fund of knowledge, learning ability, LTM, degree of language development
