Understanding the Structure of WAIS-V

WAIS-V

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fifth Edition, used to assess adult cognitive functioning (ages 16-90).

Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory

A theory of intelligence that the WAIS-V is grounded in.

Full Scale IQ (FSIQ)

Overall measure of general intellectual ability produced by the WAIS-V.

Index Scores

Five primary scores derived from the WAIS-V: Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, Processing Speed.

Core Subtests

10 subtests used to calculate all five index scores of the WAIS-V.

Core Subtests for FSIQ

7 subtests needed specifically for calculating the Full Scale IQ.

Supplemental & Ancillary Subtests

Additional subtests that can be used for clinical flexibility in the WAIS-V.

Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)

Measures verbal reasoning, concept formation, and knowledge acquired from culture.

Similarities (SI)

A core subtest that assesses abstract verbal reasoning using analogies.

Vocabulary (VO)

A core subtest that involves defining words aloud, reflecting verbal knowledge and expression.

High VCI

Suggests strong verbal expression and cultural knowledge.

Low VCI

May indicate language difficulties, undereducation, or verbal learning challenges.

Visual Spatial Index (VSI)

Measures the ability to understand and mentally manipulate visual information.

Block Design (BD)

A core subtest that involves recreating abstract patterns using colored blocks.

Visual Puzzles (VP)

A core subtest that requires mentally fitting puzzle pieces to match a design.

High VSI

Indicates good spatial reasoning, often linked to architecture, engineering, or visual arts.

Low VSI

May indicate issues with visual-motor integration or constructional praxis.

Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI)

Measures abstract problem solving and logical reasoning in novel situations.

Matrix Reasoning (MR)

A core subtest that involves choosing the missing piece in a visual pattern.

Figure Weights (FW)

A core subtest that determines the rule for balancing abstract scale problems.

High FRI

Indicates strong nonverbal logic and novel problem-solving.

Low FRI

May struggle with abstract reasoning or flexible thinking.

Working Memory Index (WMI)

Measures: Attention, concentration, and the ability to hold and mentally manipulate information

Digit Sequencing (DQ)

Repeat a sequence of numbers forward, backward, or in order

Running Digits (RD)

Repeat only the most recent digits in a fast-paced stream

High WMI

Good attention and short-term memory

Low WMI

Often affected in ADHD, anxiety, or auditory processing challenges

Processing Speed Index (PSI)

Measures: Speed and accuracy of visual scanning, decision-making, and motor response

Coding (CD)

Write symbols that match numbers as quickly as possible

Symbol Search (SS)

Identify whether a target symbol appears in a group

High PSI

Fast, accurate work under time pressure

Low PSI

May reflect motor or attention difficulties, or test anxiety

General Ability Index (GAI)

Used when there's a lot of variability between index scores, FSIQ may not be interpretable

NVI (Nonverbal Index)

Uses only nonverbal subtests for clients with language issues

NMI (Nonmotor Index)

Uses subtests that don't require writing/drawing for clients with motor impairments

How It's Scored

Raw scores → Scaled scores (mean = 10, SD = 3)

Scaled scores → Index scores

Mean = 100, SD = 15

Index scores comparison

Used to identify strengths and weaknesses

VCI

Measures Verbal knowledge & reasoning with core subtests: Similarities, Vocabulary

VSI

Measures Spatial reasoning & construction with core subtests: Block Design, Visual Puzzles

FRI

Measures Abstract logic & problem solving with core subtests: Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights

WMI

Measures Attention & mental manipulation with core subtests: Digit Sequencing, Running Digits

PSI

Measures Visual speed & motor output with core subtests: Coding, Symbol Search