A comparison of the WISC-R and the WAIS-R with special education students

The results from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-R (WAIS-R) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-R (WISC-R) with a sample of exceptional adolescents (N = 28) were compared over a 3-year period to determine whether the subjects can be expected to obtain similar subtest scores and similar VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ scores. Results indicated that the sample scored higher on the WAIS-R Verbal and WAIS-R Full Scale than on the WISC-R Verbal and Full Scale. The findings are discussed in terms of the clinical application, especially as they relate to retesting exceptional children and youth with the WAIS-R.     

Estimating age-stratified WAIS-R IQS from scores on the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices

Total scores of the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) were correlated with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Full Scale IQs (WAIS-R FSIQ) in order to obtain age-stratified estimates of WAIS-R FSIQ (N = 308). Results show a significant positive correlation between age-stratified WAIS-R FSIQ and SPM in all age groups except those 65 and older and between educational level and SPM for all age groups except the very young (16 to 24 years), the 55- to 64-year-olds, and the elderly (65 and older). A multiple regression and cross-validation revealed that race and age also must be used as moderator variables when one is predicting FSIQ in this population. It is concluded that the SPM can be used as an estimate of WAIS-R FSIQ.     

Base rates of WAIS-R VIQ-PIQ differences in 1593 psychiatric inpatients.

The purpose of this study was to provide the psychologist with base-rate tables for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Verbal IQ-Performance IQ difference scores in 1593 psychiatric inpatients. Subtables also were provided for each of three primary psychiatric diagnoses (schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, and depression). The base rates of VIQ-PIQ splits in the full inpatient sample, and those for the subsamples based on primary psychiatric diagnosis, were very similar to those reported in the WAIS-R standardization sample. Consistent with past research on the standardization sample, the VIQ-PIQ split was correlated positively with Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), indicating that larger splits are more common at the higher IQ levels. Therefore, base-rate tables also were provided for the total inpatient sample split into five IQ groupings.     

The comparative concurrent validities of the Shipley Institute of Living Scale and the Henmon-Nelson Tests of Mental Ability.

This study compared the abilities of the Shipley Institute of Living Scale and the Henmon-Nelson Tests of Mental Ability to predict Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) scores in psychiatric hospital patients. The Henmon-Nelson DIQs accounted for about 50% more WAIS-R Verbal and Full Scale IQ variance than did the Shipley IQs, apparently because of their higher correlations with the Information, Vocabulary, and, perhaps, Similarities subtests. Because Henmon-Nelson scores were more variable and generally higher than their WAIS-R counterparts, statistical adjustments were needed to optimize Wechsler IQ estimates. Therefore, regression formulae and a conversion table for the estimation of WAIS-R Full Scale IQs from Henmon-Nelson and Shipley intelligence scores also are presented.     

Item-reduction vs. subtest-reduction short forms on the WAIS-R with psychiatric inpatients

The relative performance of two Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) short forms, the Satz-Mogel item reduction technique (Adams, Smigielski, & Jenkins, 1984; Satz & Mogel, 1962) and the Silverstein (1982) subtest-reduction technique, was examined for a group of psychiatric inpatients (N = 75). The two short forms were evaluated on several criteria, including their ability to predict the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) using regression analysis, their reliability, and their total administration time. The standard error of estimates obtained in predicting the FSIQ were comparable for both short forms and resulted in a +/- 7 confidence interval to achieve 90% accuracy.     

Comparison of the PPVT-R and WAIS-R in state hospital psychiatric patients

This study examined the relationship between the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) in 40 adult psychiatric inpatients. The tests were administered to the patients in counterbalanced order as part of their overall psychological evaluation. Mean scaled scores were obtained for both tests. There were no significant differences between PPVT-R scores and WAIS-R Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores. Significant correlations between the PPVT-R and all three WAIS-R scores also were obtained. However, further analysis indicated a great deal of variability between individual PPVT-R and WAIS-R Full Scale scores. In addition, the PPVT-R was found to underestimate significantly the WAIS-R IQ scores of a subgroup (N = 13) of mildly mentally retarded subjects. A tendency for the PPVT-R to overestimate the WAIS-R as IQ improved also was noted.     

Clinical Utility of Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised and Predicted IQ Discrepancies in Closed Head Injury

Comparisons between Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) indexes and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) IQ scores have been proposed to identify severity of memory deficits. However, many neurologic conditions reduce both intellectual and memory functioning, and thus, examining differences between these scores may be of little value. Closed head injured subjects who completed the WMS-R were divided into either mild injury (MI, n = 41) or moderate/severe (SI, n = 41) injury groups based on trauma severity indicators and were matched on age and level of education. The Oklahoma Premorbid Intelligence Estimation (OPIE), a regression formula that takes into account demographic variables as well as IQ performance, was calculated for each subject. Discrepancy scores were calculated between predicted IQ scores and WAIS-R IQ and WMS-R indexes. SI head-injured subjects displayed significantly larger discrepancies (19 points) between OPIE scores and Delayed Recall Indexes from the WMS-R than the MI subjects (10 points). Significantly larger percentages of subjects in the SI group displayed significant (>SD) reductions in many of the WMS-R and WAIS-R scores from estimates than subjects in the MI group. Comparing current memory functioning to estimates of premorbid intellectual ability appears to be a sensitive indicator of presence and degree of intellectual and memory dysfunction in head trauma patients. Results also provide evidence that estimates of premorbid intellectual ability can serve as estimates of premorbid memory functioning.     

Clinical utility of a seven subtest WAIS-R short form in the neuropsychological assessment of traumatic brain injury.

Comparison of IQ scores from the standard Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) and the Ward (1990) seven-subtest short form (WAIS-R/7 SF) was performed on a sample of 459 patients with traumatic brain injury due to head trauma. The results indicate that this short form provides Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores that vary little from the complete WAIS-R, at approximately one-half the typical administration time. The seven subtest short form predicted WAIS-R Full Scale IQ within 6 points in 95% of this clinical sample, with Verbal-Performance IQ discrepancies that were highly correlated (r(s) =.85, p <.0001). No differential gender effect in proration of IQs was found. Applications and pitfalls of abbreviated neuropsychological testing batteries are discussed, with utilization of the WAIS-R/7 SF offered as a means to reduce intelligence testing time while maintaining the ability to detect subtle information processing abnormalities with appropriate supplemental tasks.     

Alternate form reliability and concurrent validity of the PPVT-R for referred rehabilitation agency adults

This study investigated the relationships among the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) alternate forms and, also, the relationship of each PPVT-R form with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) for a referred sample of 60 adult clients of the California State Department of Rehabilitation. Clients ranged in age from 18-3 to 37-7 (M = 25-7, SD = 5-9). PPVT-R alternate forms r = .88 was significant at p less than .001. Correlations with the WAIS-R VIQ were .82 for L, .78 for M; with PIQ, .46 for L, .38 for M; with FSIQ, .77 for L, .67 for M. All correlations with both forms of the PPVT-R were significant. PPVT-R mean scores did underestimate significantly all WAIS-R mean scores. Implications are discussed.     

The equivalence of the WAIS-R and the WISC-R at age 16

Two studies were conducted in which the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised (WISC-R) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale– Revised (WAIS-R) were administered in a counterbalanced design to 144 (72 in each study) randomly selected high school students between the ages of 16 years, 0 months and 16 years, 11 months in order to determine their equivalence by testing the equality of (a) means; (b) variances; and (c) validity coefficients based on the scaled scores and IQs. Results indicated that the two scales, with the possible exception of the Verbal IQ, were not equivalent (either with respect to subtest scores or IQs) because they did not satisfy the necessary criteria. These findings contradict those reported by Wechsler in 1981 concerning these two scales for a similar age group.     

Effects of prior testing with the WAIS-R NI on subsequent retest with the WAIS-R.

Seven subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Revised as a Neuropsychological Instrument (WAIS-R NI) were administered to 20 nonreferred university students. The same participants were administered the corresponding subtests from the WAIS-R 3 to 4 weeks later. Data concerning amount and consistency of change in 'scaled scores' were compared to those reported by Wechsler (1981) for test-retest with the WAIS-R. Performance on standard items was also compared to performance on multiple choice items from the WAIS-R NI. Gains observed in subtest 'scaled scores' at retest were comparable to those reported by Wechsler (1981). A substantial minority of participants obtained lower scores on some multiple choice items than they did on corresponding standard items. Implications and limitations of the current data, and the pressing need for comprehensive normative data for the WAIS-R NI are discussed.     

The ACID pattern and the freedom from distractibility factor in a child psychiatric population

The prevalence of the ACID pattern and the Freedom From Distractibility factor were compared in a child psychiatric population. The ACID pattern consists of an impairment in the Arithmetic, Coding, Information, and Digit Span subtest scores relative to the remaining subtests. An impairment in the Freedom From Distractibility factor requires that Coding, Arithmetic, and the Digit Span subtest scores be lower relative to the mean PIQ and VIQ. Although the ACID pattern was present in grouped data, very few individuals actually had such a profile (.6%). The pattern reflecting disorders in the Freedom From Distractibility factor was a prominent feature in this population, occurring in 11% of the children. Such distractible children were found to have a significantly higher VIQ and FSIQ and were more likely to demonstrate a learning disability than the remaining psychiatric group. Interestingly, a factor analysis indicates that the Freedom From Distractibility factor in a psychiatric population includes the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Revised (WISC‐R) in addition to the usual Coding, Arithmetic and Digit span subtests found in the normal population.     

Estimating premorbid intelligence: Comparison of traditional and contemporary methods across the intelligence continuum

The present investigation compared the North American Adult Reading Test (NAART), Wide Range Achievement Test-3 (WRAT-3) Reading subtest, Barona, and Oklahoma Premorbid Intelligence Estimate Best(OPIE) premorbid intelligence estimates in 64 chronic pain patients across three intelligence ranges. Results for the entire sample revealed that the NAART, Barona, and OPIE Best equations overestimated Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Revised Full Scale IQ (WAIS-R FSIQ), while the WRAT-3 underestimated FSIQ. When the sample was divided into three intelligence ranges, the OPIE more accurately classified individuals with above average intelligence, while the WRAT-3 more accurately classified individuals with below average intelligence. Three methods (NAART, OPIE, and WRAT-3) provided relatively equivalent classifications of individuals in the average intelligence range. The Barona method tended to systematically under- and overestimate FSIQ across the intelligence continuum. These results suggest the potential utility of using different estimation methods for individuals in different IQ ranges, and speak to the need for development of estimation methods that incorporate current reading ability with best performance and demographic variables.     

Comparison of wechsler vs. mayo summary scores in a clinical sample

Normative bases for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) recently were extended through age 97 with the publication of norms that permit computation of MAYO IQs for the WAIS-R and MAYO Memory Indices for the WMS-R. This study compares traditional Wechsler summary scores with their corresponding MAYO values in a clinical sample. MAYO summary scores are correlated highly with traditional Wechsler values, and concordance rates are also strong. Despite their similarities MAYO summary scores and traditional Wechsler values are not interchangeable. Cautions are discussed relative to the use of both MAYO and traditional Wechsler IQs and Memory Indices.     

Prediction errors of the Oklahoma Premorbid Intelligence Estimate-3 (OPIE-3) stratified by 13 age groups.

The Oklahoma Premorbid Intelligence Estimate-3 (OPIE-3) combines Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-3rd edition (WAIS-III) subtest raw scores (vocabulary, information, matrix reasoning, and picture completion) and demographic data (i.e., age, education, gender, ethnicity, and region) to predict FSIQ scores. Differences between OPIE-3 estimated FSIQ scores and actual FSIQ scores were compared across 13 age groups in a random sample (N=1201) of the WAIS-III standardization sample. There were mean differences in estimated FSIQ between age groups (P<.01). There was a trend that the OPIE-3 algorithms underestimated FSIQ for individuals 16-17 (2.7 points) and 80-89 years old (3.5 points). However, the differences in estimation errors were small and the percentage of individuals misclassified by more than 10 FSIQ points by age group was similar across groups. The OPIE-3(2ST), OPIE-3MR, and OPIE-3VOC yielded robust estimates of FSIQ across age groups in a neurologically intact sample. Limitations, particularly with individuals aged 16-17 and 85-89 years, are discussed.     

Wechsler Memory Scale: a selective review of the literature.

Research on the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) is reviewed with respect to questions of its reliability, factor structure, construct validity, and utility. The relationship of Memory Quotient to Full Scale IQ is explored and the conditions under which disparity between the two scores may be clinically useful indicated. Despite its numerous limitations, the WMS has been a sensitive test of short-term verbal memory. As such, it may be helpful in identifying impairment of the dominant (left) temporal lobe and its medial hippocampal connections. The test is badly in need of re-standardization, however, and suggestions for improving the instrument are made.     

Continuous norming: implications for the WAIS-R

Following Gorsuch (1983, 1984), a method for generating continuously adjusted age norms is illustrated using the normative data for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) (Wechsler, 1981). Specific procedures for calculating age-adjusted Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores also are demonstrated, with a worked example. Compared to the original tabled norms for the WAIS-R, IQ scores based on continuous norming are more accurate because they involve an analytic smoothing procedure that eliminates the inaccuracies introduced by traditional tabled norms and because people are compared against their exact age groups.     

Comparison of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition with university students

This study examined the relationship between the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition (PPVT-III) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) using 40 adults who ranged in age from 18 to 41 (mean age of 22 years). Participants were administered the PPVT-III and WAIS-III in counterbalanced fashion to control for order effects. Results revealed that the PPVT-III score was related to the WAIS-III Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores but unrelated to the Performance IQ (PIQ) score. In addition, analyses indicated that, while there were no significant differences between the PPVT-III score and WAIS-III mean FSIQ and PIQ scores, the PPVT-III mean score was significantly lower than the WAIS-III VIQ. Further analysis indicated that the PPVT-III adequately estimated WAIS-III FSIQ and VIQ scores for participants who were classified as Average or High Average on the WAIS-III. However, for participants in the Superior range, the PPVT-III tended to underestimate FSIQ and VIQ scores by approximately 10 points.     

Molecular,clinical and neuropsychological study in 31 patients with Kabuki syndrome and KMT2D mutations

Kabuki syndrome (KS—OMIM 147920) is a rare developmental disease characterized by the association of multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability. This study aimed to investigate intellectual performance in children with KS and link the performance to several clinical features and molecular data. We recruited 31 children with KMT2D mutations who were 6 to 16 years old. They all completed the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition. We calculated all indexes: the Full Scale Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptive Reasoning Index (PRI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Working Memory Index (WMI). In addition, molecular data and several clinical symptoms were studied. FSIQ and VCI scores were 10 points lower for patients with a truncating mutation than other types of mutations. In addition, scores for FSIQ, VCI and PRI were lower for children with visual impairment than normal vision. We also identified a discrepancy in indexes characterized by high WMI and VCI and low PRI and PSI. We emphasize the importance of early identification and intensive care of visual disorders in patients with KS and recommend individual assessment of intellectual profile.     

Trauma-induced weight loss and cognitive deficits among former prisoners of war

Former prisoners of war (POWs) from the Korean Conflict and WWII reporting confinement weight losses of greater than 35% (n = 60) and less than or equal to 35% (n = 113) and non-POW combat veterans (n = 50) were compared on WAIS-R and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) Logical Memory indices. High weight-loss POWs performed more poorly than combat veterans on Performance IQ, Arithmetic, Similarities, and Picture Completion subtests, Witkin-Goodenough Attention-Concentration Factor, and WMS Immediate and Delayed Recall and more poorly than low weight-loss POWs on Arithmetic, Attention-Concentration Factor, and the WMS immediate memory measure. Low weight-loss POWs and combat veterans differed only on WMS immediate memory. Findings support the Thygesen, Hermann, and Willanger (1970) hypothesis that severity of POW confinement stress reflected by trauma-induced weight loss is predictive of long-term compromise in cognitive performance.