WAIS-IV
Learn about WAIS-IV, a comprehensive intelligence test for adults. Understand its structure and scoring methods for insightful assessments.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) is a clinical instrument widely used to measure cognitive ability and intelligence in adolescents and adults aged 16 to 90. It is included in Wechsler clinical assessments used to measure adolescent and adult intelligence, along with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI).
It is the most recent edition of the Wechsler intelligence tests, which have been a gold standard in comprehensive assessment for decades (Wechsler, 2008).
This IQ test comprehensively evaluates an individual's intellectual functioning across various domains, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. It is designed to aid in the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, brain injuries, and other cognitive impairments and to identify intellectual strengths and weaknesses (Lichtenberger & Kaufman, 2013).
Printable Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence
Download this Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence to assess your clients.
What areas are covered by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)?
This WAIS-IV comprehensively assesses cognitive abilities across four principal areas, commonly called index scores. These index scores are derived from performance on various subtests and provide valuable insights into an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Verbal comprehension index (VCI)
This index measures verbal reasoning, comprehension, and conceptual abilities. It encompasses verbal tests such as vocabulary knowledge, information acquisition, verbal expression, and abstract reasoning. Subtests like Similarities, Vocabulary, and Information contribute to this index.
Perceptual reasoning index (PRI)
The Perceptual Reasoning Index evaluates nonverbal reasoning, spatial processing, and visual-motor integration abilities. It involves tasks like analyzing and synthesizing abstract visual information and perceiving and manipulating visual patterns. This index includes the Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, and Visual Puzzles subtests.
Working memory index (WMI)
This index assesses an individual's ability to store and manipulate information in short-term memory temporarily. It involves tasks that require holding and mentally manipulating numerical or verbal information. The Digit Span and Arithmetic subtests contribute to the WMI.
Processing speed index (PSI)
The Processing Speed Index measures the ability to quickly and accurately process visual information, as well as cognitive efficiency and fluency. Tasks like quickly scanning and matching symbols or numbers are included in subtests like Coding and Symbol Search, which contribute to this index.
What are the subtests in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)?
The WAIS-IV consists of 15 subtests divided into core and supplemental subtests. These subtests are designed to assess various cognitive abilities and contribute to calculating the four index scores and the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) score.
The core subtests include the following:
- Similarities: Measures verbal concept formation, abstract reasoning, and verbal expression.
- Vocabulary: Assesses word knowledge and verbal comprehension.
- Information: Evaluates acquired general knowledge and long-term memory.
- Block design: Measures spatial perception, visual-motor coordination, and abstract conceptualization.
- Matrix reasoning: Assesses nonverbal abstract reasoning and visual information processing.
- Visual puzzles: Evaluates nonverbal reasoning and visual-spatial processing.
- Digit span: Measures auditory short-term memory, attention, and concentration.
- Arithmetic: Assesses numerical reasoning, attention, and mental manipulation.
- Coding: Measures processing speed, short-term memory, and visual-motor coordination.
- Symbol search: Evaluates processing speed, visual perception, and concentration.
On the other hand, these are the five supplemental subtests:
- Figure weights: Measures quantitative and analogical reasoning.
- Comprehension: Assesses social judgment and common sense reasoning.
- Letter-number sequencing: Evaluates working memory and attention.
- Cancellation: Measures processing speed and visual attention.
- Picture Completion: Evaluates visual perception and visual recognition.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) example (sample)
The WAIS-IV Record Form is a two-section document used to record the results of this test. This filled-out sample form includes information about the examinee, such as their name, age, date of birth, and education level. It also includes space to record the examinee's scores on the core subtests of the WAIS-IV. The form also provides space to record the examinee's Full Scale IQ score (FSIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), and Performance IQ (PIQ).
Download this WAIS-IV example (sample) here:
Scoring and interpretation
When it comes to scoring the WAIS-IV, a comprehensive approach is taken to provide a detailed assessment of an individual's cognitive abilities. Practitioners yield several scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition, each offering valuable insights into different aspects of intellectual functioning. To help in this phase, healthcare professionals can use the Wechsler Intelligence Test Scoring Template as a reference.
The WAIS-IV provides four index scores derived from performance on various subtests. These index scores include the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI).
In addition to these four index scores, the WAIS-IV also provides a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) score, which is a composite score derived from the combined performance on all the subtests. The FSIQ score is considered a measure of overall intellectual ability (Wechsler, 2008).
It's important to note that the WAIS-IV uses a standard score scale, with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. This means that scores between 85 and 115 are considered within the average range, while scores above 115 are considered above average, and scores below 85 are considered below average (Lichtenberger & Kaufman, 2013).
The WAIS-IV also provides additional scores, such as composite scores for specific cognitive domains (e.g., Auditory Working Memory, Nonverbal, General Ability Index) and subtest scaled scores, which can provide more detailed information about an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses (Wechsler, 2008).
When should you use the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)?
While the WAIS-IV is a reliable and valid test used to assess cognitive functioning and intellectual ability, it is essential to note that it is just one measure of intelligence. Other factors, such as education, experience, and motivation, can also affect a person's performance on the test. Here's when the WAIS-IV serves as a valuable tool for various purposes, including:
- Intellectual assessment: This is the most widely used intelligence test for adults. It assesses a person's overall cognitive ability and compares their performance to that of other adults of the same age.
- Clinical assessment: The WAIS-IV can assess a person's cognitive functioning in a clinical evaluation. It can also diagnose intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and other conditions that affect cognitive ability.
- Educational assessment: The WAIS-IV can be used to assess a person's cognitive abilities in the context of an educational evaluation. For example, the WAIS-IV can place students in appropriate academic programs or identify students needing special education services.
- Vocational assessment: It can assess a person's intellectual abilities in a vocational evaluation. For example, the WAIS-IV can determine a person's ability to learn new skills or perform job-related tasks.
Why use Carepatron for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) testing?
The Carepatron WAIS Record Form is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool for collecting vital information about your patient's cognitive status. The data collected on the form can be used to diagnose cognitive impairment, track changes in cognitive status over time, and develop treatment plans.
Carepatron offers several advantages over other practice management software. First, it is a secure and HIPAA-compliant platform, meaning your patient's information is safe and secure in our patient portal. Second, it is easy to use and navigate. Third, it offers a variety of features that can help you collect and manage your patient's data, such as the ability to add notes, attach files, and track changes over time.
Overall, Carepatron is an all-in-one solution that can help you improve the quality of care you provide to your patients. If you are looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-use, and secure way to collect information about your patient's cognitive status, then Carepatron is the best source for you. Try it now for free!
.png)
References
Lichtenberger, E. O., & Kaufman, A. S. (2013). Essentials of WAIS-IV assessment (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=SUqcospVEMcC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Wechsler, D. (2008). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. https://doi.org/10.1037/t15169-000
Commonly asked questions
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) measures cognitive abilities in adults aged 16 to 90. It evaluates four key domains of intelligence: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. The test assesses verbal skills, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and processing speed, providing a comprehensive measure of cognitive ability.
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) average IQ score is 100. This fixed score serves as a reference point for comparing individual scores. Approximately two-thirds of all scores fall between 85 and 115, with scores below 70 generally considered to be in the intellectually disabled range.
The 10 core subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) are Arithmetic, Block Design, Comprehension, Digit Span, Digit Symbol, Information, Letter-Number Sequencing, Matrix Reasoning, Picture Arrangement, and Vocabulary. These subtests are used to obtain an overall score and provide scores for the four Index Scores: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed.
Related Templates
Popular Templates
