WAIS-5
Overview
Gail C. Rodin, PhD
Senior Assessment Consultant,
Healthcare
Pearson Clinical Assessment
May 15, 2024
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What’s New?
• Updated norms
• Reduced administration time
• New test structure
• New subtests
• Special group studies
• Expanded clinical utility
• Improved user experience
• Upcoming detailed webinars
and additional resources
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Updated Norms
• Important due to Flynn Effect
• ~3-point increase in FSIQ every 10 years
• WAIS-IV published in 2008 – you do the math
• Older tests may tend to overestimate some clients’ scores
• Normative samples collected in 2023 – 2024
• Reflect recent societal shifts and trends (e.g., demographics)
• Match most recent census on five key demographic variables
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Administration Time
• 45 minutes to obtain FSIQ
• Requires 7 subtests
• Plus administration of Digits Forward prior to Digit Sequencing
• 60 minutes to obtain all 5 Primary Index Scales
• Requires 10 subtests
Wait what? Did you say 5 Index Scales??
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New Test Structure – FSIQ
Perceptual Reasoning on WAIS-IV
Verbal
Comprehension
Visual
Spatial
Fluid
Reasoning
Working
Memory
Processing
Speed
Similarities
Vocabulary
Information
Comprehension
Block Design
Visual Puzzles
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Arithmetic
Set Relations
Digit Sequencing
Running Digits
Digits Forward
Digits Backward
Letter-Number Seq.
Coding
Symbol Search
Naming Speed Quant.
Only one substitution is permitted when deriving the FSIQ.
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New Test Structure – Primary Index Scales
Perceptual Reasoning on WAIS-IV
Verbal
Comprehension
Visual
Spatial
Fluid
Reasoning
Working
Memory
Processing
Speed
Similarities
Vocabulary
Block Design
Visual Puzzles
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Digit Sequencing
Running Digits
Coding
Symbol Search
VCI
VSI
FRI
WMI
PSI
Subtest substitution is not permitted for any primary index score.
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New Primary Index Scales
Visual Spatial Index
Analogy: Architect
• Able to use visual information to build
a geometric design to match a model
Fluid Reasoning Index
Analogy: Detective
• Able to use visual information to
identify a common theme or concept
• Block Design
• Visual Puzzles
• Matrix Reasoning
• Figure Weights
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New Test Structure – Ancillary Index Scales
Verbal Expanded
Crystallized
Expanded Visual
Spatial
Expanded
Fluid
Expanded
Working Memory
Expanded Processing
Speed
Similarities
Vocabulary
Information
Comprehension
Block Design
Visual Puzzles
Symbol Span
Spatial Addition
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Arithmetic
Set Relations
Digit Sequencing
Running Digits
Digits Backward
Letter-Number Seq.
Symbol Span
Spatial Addition
Coding
Symbol Search
Naming Speed Quantity
Verbal
Reasoning
Quantitative
Reasoning
Visual
Working Memory
Reduced Motor
Processing Speed
Similarities
Comprehension
Set Relations
Figure Weights
Arithmetic
Symbol Span
Spatial Addition
Symbol Search
Naming Speed Quantity
Auditory Working
Memory-Registration
Digits Forward
Running Digits
Auditory Working
Memory-Manipulation
Can also be used for
remote administration
Digit Sequencing
Digits Backward
Letter-Number Sequencing
Nonmotor
Similarities
Vocabulary
Visual Puzzles
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Digit Sequencing
Naming Speed Quantity
General
Ability
Similarities
Vocabulary
Block Design
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Cognitive
Proficiency
Digit Sequencing
Running Digits
Coding
Symbol Search
Nonverbal
Block Design
Visual Puzzles
Matrix Reasoning
Figure Weights
Symbol Span
Coding
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Say “Goodbye” to These Subtests
Picture Completion
• Construct not as representative of visual spatial ability as others
• Decrease emphasis on speed
• Not frequently used
Cancellation
• Very low g loading
• Relatively low correlation with other processing speed tasks
• Not very clinically sensitive in adults
• Other measures of visual neglect available for adults
• Desire for motor-free processing speed measure
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Say “Hello” to These New Subtests
• Set Relations (Fluid Reasoning Index)
• Running Digits (Working Memory Index)
• Naming Speed Quantity (Processing Speed Index)
• Symbol Span (Ancillary Index Scales)
• Spatial Addition (Ancillary Index Scales)
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Special Group Studies
• Intellectually Gifted
• Intellectual Disability, Mild and Moderate
• Specific Learning Disorder – Reading
• Specific Learning Disorder – Mathematics
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury, Moderate or Severe
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Probable Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type – Mild Severity
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Expanded Clinical Utility
• Broader construct coverage for:
• Working memory
• Fluid reasoning
• Processing speed
• New expanded index scores for increased interpretive clarity
• New Index Scales (reduces confound of expressive language
or motor problems – also, ideal for remote testing)
• Nonverbal Index
• Nonmotor Index
• Motor Reduced Processing Speed Index
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Improved User Experience
• Simplified administration and scoring directions
• Multiple options for administration, scoring, and reporting
• Traditional paper-and-pencil (PnP) kits
• May be scored by hand or using Q-global
• Q-interactive (2 iPads)
• No record forms required
• Includes scoring and reporting
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Training Options
Can be purchased now
Training dates begin October 1st
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Additional WAIS-5 Resources
• WAIS-5 webpage:
• https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/ProfessionalAssessments/Cognition-%26-Neuro/Wechsler-Adult-Intelligence-Scale-%7C-FifthEdition/p/P100071002.html
• WAIS-5 FAQ:
• https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/ProfessionalAssessments/Cognition-%26-Neuro/Wechsler-Adult-Intelligence-Scale-%7C-FifthEdition/p/P100071002.html?tab=faqs
• Sign up to "Stay in the Know" about WAIS-5:
• https://www.pearsonassessments.com/forms/wais-5-stay-in-the-know.html
• Find your Pearson Assessment Consultant
• https://www.pearsonassessments.com/contact-us/assessment-representatives.html
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Join Us for More Details!
WAIS-5 New Subtests
• Tuesday, May 21st - 1:00 – 1:30 pm ET
WAIS-5 Ancillary Index Scales
• Wednesday, May 29th - 1:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Identifying Clinical Subgroups with WAIS-5
• Wednesday, June 5th – 1:00 – 1:30pm ET
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Questions?
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End of Presentation
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