Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

  • Wechsler, D. (1955 ). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Manual. New York: Psychological Corporation.
  • Wechsler, D. (1997). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—3rd Edition (WAIS-3®) San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment.
The WAIS IV is available for purchase online. See also the WPPSI and the WISC.


 Table of Contents

Description

History of Use

References

Description:

Purpose
The WAIS IV was designed to assess intelligence in adults (Ps over the age of 16). For measures for use on different age groups, see the WPPSI and the WISC.
Questions
15 tests assessing different abilities using different numbers of questions and different response formats.
Sub-scales
4 sub-scales:
  • Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)
    • Information
    • Comprehension
    • Similarities
    • Vocabulary
  • Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)
    • Block Design
    • Matrix Reasoning
    • Visual Puzzles
    • Picture Completion
    • Figure Weights
  • Working Memory Index (WMI)
    • Digit Span
    • Arithmetic
    • Letter-Number Sequencing
  • Processing Speed Index (PSI)
    • Symbol Search
    • Coding
    • Cancellation
Domain
Clinical assessment
Psychometrics

Sample items
  • Who is the President of Russia? (VCI - Information)
  • P is asked to duplicate increasingly complicated block designs. (PRI - Block Design)
  • P is asked to repeat the numbers 1-2-3 in reverse sequence. (WMI - Digit Span)
  • P is asked to draw a line through each red square and yellow triangle. ((PSI - Cancellation)

References:

Scale:
  • Wechsler, D. (1955 ). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Manual. New York: Psychological Corporation.
  • Wechsler, D. (1997). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—3rd Edition (WAIS-3®) San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment.
Uses:

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