WAIS
Intro: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is one of the test used to evaluate IQ (intelligence
quotient). It was created by David Wechsler in 1955. Current edition is 4th WAIS-IV(2008).
For age 16-90 y.o.
1) clinician administered test
2) consist of verbal iq (vc wm) and performance iq (pr ps)
2) 4 main indices:
-verbal comprehension index : comprehension, similarities, vocab, gen info
-perception reasoning index (pri) : visual puzzle, matrix reasoning, pic completion
-working memory index (wmi) : number sequencing, arithmatic, digit span
-processing speed index (psi) : symbol search, coding
3) the mean IQ for the population is 100, derived from all 4 indices
4) the standard deviation is 15
5) pro:
-high reliability and validity
-easy to use
6) cons:
-long duration, cant use computer
-structure is for english speaking community, race/culture insensitive
7) also has a version for children WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) 6-16 yo
and preschoolers WPPSI (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) 2 1/27 yo. also has a shorter version WASI (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) for
test under 30 minutes.
Conclusion: function is to measure adult intelligence. can be use in diagnosing intellectual
disability and also use for psychiatric illness or post traumatic brain injury to assess
severity even though its use is controversial.