Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales

Wechsler Scales
• 1939: the Wechsler-Bellevue, later called the WAIS.
• 1945: the Wechsler Memory Scale
• 1949: the children’s version, the WISC
• 1955: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
• 1967: the WPPSI for children ages 2½ -7
• 1981: WAIS-R (revised form of 1955 test)
• 1997: WAIS-III
• 2008: WAIS-IV
• WAIS - V
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales

David Wechsler devised adult intelligence test (1939)

Now most widely used measure of intelligence for adults
and children
IQ is calculated differently
IQ declines as people age
 Deviation IQ
Compare scores to a normative sample of a similar age
Mean = 100, SD = 15

Deviation IQ = (z-score * ) + x
= (z-score * 15) + 100
 Deviation IQ

Average range: 85 to 115

“Gifted” range: 130+

Mentally challenged : < 70

How does that correspond to SD units?

Revision
 Update Theoretical Foundations

•Eliminate dual IQ/ Index Score Structure

• Consistent with WISC-IV
•Enhance Measure of Fluid Intelligence
• Develop additional measure of fluid intelligence (figure weights)
•Enhance Measure of Working Memory
• Revise digit span and arithmetic (emphasize WM)
•Enhance Measure of Processing Speed
• Develop additional PS subtest: Cancellation
Enhance Clinical Utility
Co-normed with the Wechsler Memory Scale
Additional Special Group studies (Mild cognitive impairments,
borderline intellectual functioning)
Develop an Upgrade Kit in 2009 for specialists
(Geropsychologists, Neuropsychologists)
Improving Psychometric
Properties
Update Norms
Expand FISQ range
Improves Floors and Ceilings
Maintain or improve subtest and composite reliability
Provide initial evidence of validity
Enhancing User Friendliness

Reduce Testing Time

Revise Instructions
Redesign Record Form
Increase Portability
Increase Developmental
Appropriateness
Add demonstration and sample items
Reduce vocabulary level of instructions
Drop object assembly
Reduce emphasis on time bonus
Enlarge visual stimuli
Eliminate auditory concerns on DS and LN
 WAIS-IV Subtests
11 subtests, with 3 supplementary scales
Full scale IQ
Verbal IQ
Performance IQ
Index Scores
 Verbal Comprehension
 Perceptual Organizational
 Working Memory
 Processing Speed
Verbal Subtests
1.Vocabulary (VC)
Define words
Best measure of G
2.Similarities (VC)
Tell how two things are alike
Abstract verbal reasoning
3.Information (VC)
Questions of general knowledge
Crystalized intelligence
Verbal Subtests
4.Arithmetic (WM)
Solve arithmetic problems in your head
Working memory, mathematical reasoning
5.Digit Span (WM)
Repeat a list of numbers forwards and backwards
Working memory
Performance Subtests
1. Block Design (PO)
Make designs using colored cubes
Spatial and nonverbal reasoning

2. Matrix Reasoning (PO)

Given an incomplete pattern, choose from a number of
options how to be complete a picture
Pattern recognition, non-verbal reasoning
Performance Subtests
3. Digit Symbol Coding (PS)
Paired associates
Each number has a mark put the mark that goes with
the number
Processing speed, learning ability or speed of
acquisition
WAIS-IV Subtests
• Each subtest assesses slightly different mental abilities

• All a measure of G
• Multiple measures that assess multiple abilities provides a
comprehensive measure of a person’s intelligence

• Highly reliable
Test-retest correlation = .90
 Full Scale IQ

Verbal IQ Performance IQ

VCI WMI POI PSI

Vocabulary Digit Span Block Design Digit-Symbol

Similarities Arithmetic Matrix reasoning Coding
Information Letter-Number Picture completion Symbol Search
Picture arrangement
Comprehension Sequencing
Scoring : Composite and Process

Composite scores

• FSIQ – Based on 10 core subtests

• Index Scores – Primary interpretation
level
• VCI & PRI – 3 core subtests each
• WMI & PSI – 2 core subtests each
Scoring : Composite and Process

Process Scores

• Block design - Block design no time bonus

• Digit Span - Digit span forward, Digit span
backward, Digit span sequencing
• Longest Digit Span forward, longest digit span
backward, longest digit span sequencing
• Letter Number Sequencing – longest letter
number sequencing