WISC-IV Assessment Flashcards

WISC-IV (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)

• Designed for children aged 6 to 16 years.
• Provides Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and four Index Scores.
• Report includes scaled scores for comprehensive analysis.

WISC-IV Test Results & Analysis

• Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) includes subtests: Similarities, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Information, and Word Reasoning.
• Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) includes Block Design, Picture Concepts, Matrix Reasoning, and Picture Completion.
• Working Memory Index (WMI) includes Digit Span, Letter-Number Sequencing, and Arithmetic.
• Processing Speed Index (PSI) includes Coding, Symbol Search, and Cancellation.

WISC-IV Structure and Indices

• FSIQ reflects general intellectual functioning.
• VCI assesses verbal concept formation and reasoning.
• PRI evaluates spatial processing and fluid reasoning abilities.
• WMI measures working memory capabilities.
• PSI indicates ability to process visual information quickly and accurately.

Evaluation Procedures: Discrepancies

• Evaluate verbal vs. performance intelligence (e.g., VIQ/PIQ or VCI/PRI).
• A significant VIQ > PIQ difference may indicate stronger verbal skills.
• Explore potential for difficulties in tasks requiring speed or visual motor skills.

Evaluation Procedures: Alternative Discrepancies

• Assess if PIQ > VIQ indicates possible language limitations for non-native speakers.
• Performance skills may be stronger, highlighting better visual-motor discrimination.

WISC-IV Strengths and Weaknesses

• Internal comparisons of subtest scores help identify significant differences in strengths/weaknesses.
• Use separate means for comparison against scaled scores instead of relying solely on FSIQ.

Learning Disabilities

• Compare WISC-IV results to WJ-III (Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement) for comprehensive assessment.

WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)

• Assesses cognitive ability in individuals aged 16:0 to 90:11.
• Normed on a diverse sample based on age, race, sex, education level, and geography.

WAIS-IV Concept of Intelligence

• Defined as the global capacity to act purposefully, think rationally, and effectively interact with the environment.

WAIS-IV Interpretation

• Report includes chronological age and scores for FSIQ, VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI.
• Indicates percentile ranking within normative population.
• Establishes a confidence interval for true FSIQ.

WAIS Classifications

• Classifications based on FSIQ scores:
  • 130+: Very Superior
  • 120-129: Superior
  • 110-119: High Average
  • 90-109: Average
  • 80-89: Low Average
  • 70-79: Borderline
  • 69 and below: Extremely Low (Mental Retardation)

WAIS-IV Composite Scores

• FSIQ represents general intellectual ability.
• Includes General Ability Index (GAI), Verbal IQ (VIQ), and Performance IQ (PIQ).
• VCI assesses verbal reasoning and knowledge.
• POI focuses on visual perception and spatial skills.
• Working Memory and Processing Speed indices evaluate immediate memory and visual processing speed.

WAIS-IV Scaled Scores

• Scaled score of 10 reflects average ability with a standard deviation of 3.

WAIS IQ Scores

• Mean score of 100 with a standard deviation of 15.

WAIS Learning Disabilities

• Use WJ-III for comparison in identifying learning disabilities.

WAIS: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

• Analyze subtest scores under each index.
• Strengths indicated by scores above 115; weaknesses noted if scaled scores drop significantly below normative data.