Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) IV

Great measures were taken to ensure the validity of the WAIS-IV. First, the user friendliness of the test was updated, indicating an improvement in the face validity of the test (Climie and Rostad, 2008). Clime and Rostad also state that the content validity was ensured by studying examinee responses. Incorrect responses that were frequently given were examined to see if alternate answers could be given (2008). Changes in items were made after discussing these specific questions with examinees, and their process in determining their answer was considered for possible revision. Construct validity was ensured by reviewing “current theoretical literature” to provide support for the internal structure of the test, and “psychometric support was found for a four-factor model” (2008). Lastly, the WAIS-IV was compared with other tests to ensure its criterion-related validity, especially correlations with the previous WAIS-III.

A variety of methods are used to ensure the reliability of the WAIS-IV including internal consistency, test-retest stability, and inter-scorer agreement. All of these methods suggest strong reliability in the test. Internal consistency tests show a correlation coefficient of .97-.98 across all 13 age groups for the FSIQ, the composite score of all subtest scores. The factor index scores boast a correlation range of .87-.98 for each of the factor index scores and .71-.96 across all of the subtests individually. Subtest scaled scores had a Standard Deviation of 3, and Cavinez and Schraw state that," The WAIS-IV FSIQ ranges from 40–160 (±4 SD) and represents a 2/3 SD increase in IQ measurement range over the WAIS-III (2010).

Each member of our group became interested in this test when we encountered Wechsler’s definition of intelligence. Wechsler defines intelligence as “the global capacity of the ndividual to act purposely, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment”. While our group is mostly composed of educators with an English content, we also have a member focused in Social Studies content. The quote above opened up valuable dialogue as to what capabilities we hope to foster in our students across content areas. Rational thinking and the ability to synthesize one’s environment are relevant skills regardless of subject content area or future career path. We hope that we as educators can foster these skills that are integral to our students’ success, and are therefore very intrigued in a test that concerns itself with their measurement.

Time bonuses have been removed from this updated version of the WAIS, as performance speed is not the concern of measurement. Average testing time for core subtests is approximately 67 minutes according to Climie and Rostad (2011). During the exam, the examinee must complete items from the left to the right, all the way across the row in their booklet.

There are 15 subtest categories: Block Design, Similarities, Digit Span, Matrix Reasoning, Vocabulary, Arithmetic, Symbol Search, Visual Puzzles, Information, Coding, Letter-Number Sequencing, Figure Weights, Comprehension, Cancellation, and Picture Completion. The four main categories are characterized in the instructions on the Pearson website. Verbal comprehension subtests measure verbal concept

formation, verbal reason and knowledge acquired from environment (Pearson, 2008).

Its subtests are Similarities, Vocabulary, and Information. The next category is Perceptual Reasoning which is intended to measure perceptual and fluid reasoning, spatial processing, and visual-motor integration. Its subscore categories are Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, and Visual Puzzles (2011). The third category is Working Memory, which measures attention, concentration, mental control, and reasoning. Its subscore categories are Digit Span and Arithmetic (2011).

The final category is Processing Speed, which measures ability to quickly and correctly scan, sequence, and discriminate simple visual information, short-term visual memory, attention, and visual-motor coordination. Its subscore categories are Symbol Search and Coding (2011).

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) IV

The determination of general intelligence occurs from the use of a Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (Climie & Rostad, 2011) According to Cavinez and Schraw, the WAIS-IV is a norm-ferenced test that scores examinees based on their performance relative to a norm group. The standardization group consist of 2,200 people from a variety of factors such age, sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic regions (2010). This group was selected to appear as similar as possible to the 2005 October US census as possible. Factors such as language, untreated sensory impairments and communication limitations, motor impairments, and medical issues that might affect cognitive performance are used as exclusionary criteria when selecting these individuals (Cavinez & Schraw, 2010).

Group Presentation

WAIS-IV:

Background

Mydarian Booker

Dre Davis

Swayze Hollenhead

Amy Wiens

Jordan White

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) was designed to be administered individually to a population of older adolescents and adults, ages 16 to 90.

The manual of test is able to serve as a stand because of the folded cover provided in the manual (2011). Different colored fonts are used to make distinctions between verbal instructions within the examiner guidelines provided in the test materials. There are many administering directions and scoring instructions in the 218 technical manual according to Pearson, however, we could not obtain a copy. There is also an interpretation subsection that includes an excellent 10-step guide to profile analysis of each examinee based on composites derived from the 15 separate subtests" (Cavinez and Schraw 2010).

WAIS-IV Background

The purpose of the WAIS-IV is to determine a composite of intellectual functioning and general measure of intelligence using four sub score categories: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed (Cavinze & Schraw, 2010).

The kit includes an Administration and Scoring Manual, Technical Manual, 2 Stimulus Books, 25 Record Forms, 25 Response Booklet #1, 25 Response Booklet #2, Symbol Search Scoring Key, Coding Scoring Key, Cancellation Scoring Templates, and 9 Block Design Cubes in a box (Pearson, 2008).

Evaluating Learning

The WAIS-IV was developed over a 4-year period, which included several research stages (Climie and Rostad (2011). The test should be administered by a trained examiner, and the test kit is available online through Pearson. A typical kit for test administration costs $1,203.35.

In addition to general cognitive functioning, the test can be used for the assessment of mental retardation or intellectual ability in some instances (2011).

Subtests of the exam are useful because they provide information about strengths and weaknesses in specific areas.

The Pearson also presents guides for verbal cues and symbols that the examiner should be aware of that will frequently appear on the exam administration booklet. Although our group could not obtain the Technical Manual or a copy of the test, we are including instruction guidelines from Pearson that may be found in the technical manual as well as examples from Pearson about the appearance of each subscore section.