WAIS-IV:

Administration
Core Subtests &
Supplementary Tests

Gabrielle Brawn & Sadhbh (Sive) Joyce

Clinical Neuropsychologists
Tuesday 18th March, 2014

9. Information

Where to begin:

Start at item 3
Teaching provided on items 3 and 4 if response is
incorrect ()
Reverse if necessary

During the test:

ALWAYS query when indicated (Q)

Specific queries for some responses (*)
Can repeat questions without altering wording
Discontinue after 3 consecutive scores of 0

10. Coding

Set up

Where to begin:

Separate booklet (with Symbol Search)

Point to the form when explaining
Extra booklet if examinee is left-handed and blocking the key
Stopwatch: strict timing (120sec total)

Demonstration, then Sample items, then test items

Correct errors on sample items

During the test:

Do not allow examinee to skip items or do them out of order

Examinee can spontaneously correct (but no eraser)
Score with template later

Quick recap...

Why use supplementary tests?

11. Letter-number sequencing

(only for 16-69 year olds)

Where to begin:

Demonstration item A, then Sample Item A, then Items 1

and 2 (all 3 trials for each)
If not discontinued: Demonstration item B, then Sample
Item B
Teaching as necessary for Samples

During the test:

Administer all trials for each item

Discontinue after 3 scores of 0 on the same item
Correct if examinee says letters first

12. Figure Weights

Where to begin:

(only for 16-69 year olds)

Demo items A & B, then Sample, then item 4

Point to visual stimuli correctly during explanation
Reverse if incorrect on items 4 or 5

During the test:

Strict timing: 20sec for items 1-12; 40sec for items 13-27
Prompts: 10 sec from end of time
NB: change of instruction from item 16
Can phase out instructions
Discontinue after 3 consecutive scores of 0

13. Comprehension

Where to begin:

Item 3
Teaching provided on items 3 and 4 if response is
incorrect ()
Reverse as necessary

During the test:

Repeat question as required without altering wording

Query where appropriate (Q)
Prompt for second response on some items
Discontinue after 3 consecutive scores of 0

14. Cancellation

Set up

Response booklet
One pencil each, no eraser
Stopwatch: Strict timing (45 sec max / item)

Where to begin:

(only for 16-69 year olds)

Demo A and Sample A, then item 1

Correct errors on sample items

During the test:

Prompts:

draw one line through shape

dont skip any rows
you cannot go back...
work all the way across rows

After 45s: Stop circle the last shape you looked at

14. Cancellation continued...

Scoring

Subtract errors from total correct

15. Picture Completion

Where to begin:

Sample item, then item 4

Teaching on sample, and items 4 & 5
Reverse if non-perfect score on items 4 or 5

During the test:

Strict timing: 20sec per item

Prompts:

Yes, but what is missing?

A part is missing in the picture. What is it that is missing?
Yes, but what is the most important thing missing?

Pointing is OK, dont need a verbal response

Discontinue after 4 consecutive scores of 0