Wechsler Intelligence Scales Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and related topics.

Wechsler Intelligence Scales

A widely used set of standardized tests for measuring intelligence, introduced in 1939.

WISC and WPPSI

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, designed to assess intelligence in children aged 6-16. WWPSI is for children ages 2.5-7

Point Scale System

An approach used in WAIS where points are awarded for each item, instead of grouping by age.

Verbal IQ (types of IQ)

A score derived from subtests measuring verbal reasoning and comprehension.

Performance IQ (types of IQ)

A score derived from subtests assessing non-verbal and performance tasks.

Full-scale IQ (types of IQ)

A score representing an individual's overall cognitive ability, calculated from both verbal and performance IQ scores.

Subtest

A specific section of an intelligence test that assesses a particular skill or ability.

Crystallized Intelligence

The ability to use learned knowledge and experience, as measured by the Verbal Comprehension Index.

Fluid Intelligence

The capacity to solve new problems and think logically as measured by the Perceptual Organization Index.

Normative Data

Statistical data used as a benchmark to compare an individual's performance to that of a larger group.

Cognitive Skills

Mental capabilities that include reasoning, problem-solving, and planning.

Matrix Reasoning

A subtest of WAIS assessing the ability to identify patterns and relationships among abstract visual stimuli.

Digit Span

A subtest requiring the repetition of numbers in forward and backward order to assess memory.

Vocabulary Subtest

A section measuring the ability to define words, reflecting verbal comprehension.

Arithmetic Subtest

A subtest consisting of relatively simple arithmetic problems to assess numerical reasoning.

Block Design Subtest

A nonverbal measure of intelligence that involves manipulating blocks to replicate a design.

Symbol Search Subtest

A new subtest in WAIS assessing speed of information processing through visual symbols.

Pattern Analysis

The interpretation of the structure and variations in performance scores across subtests.

Learning Disabilities

Disorders that affect the ability to learn, which can sometimes be inferred from V-P discrepancies in scores.

WAIS IV

The fourth edition of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, published in 2008.

Main indexes

of the WAIS IV that summarize cognitive abilities, including Verbal Comprehension (crystallized) , Perceptual Reasoning (fluid), Working Memory (holding + manipulating info), and Processing Speed (how fast you think).

Wechsler-Bellevue

The original version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, introduced in 1939.

G Factor

General intelligence; a construct that refers to the common mental ability underlying all intelligent behavior.