Dissertationen zum Thema „Wechsler scales“

I samband med att Wechsler Memory Scales-III översatts och utprovats för svenska och norska förhållanden har deltestet Ansikten analyserats med avseende på fenomen som sedan tidigare är kända kring ansiktsigenkänning. Med hjälp av signaldetektionsteori har den eventuella förekomsten av own race bias och könsskillnader undersökts samt kontrollerats för ålder och utbildning. Slutsatsen är att varken kön eller etnicitet har någon avgörande påverkan på testresultatet och de behöver därför inte särskilt beaktas när personer liknande de som ingår i utprövningsgruppen testas med WMS-III. Förslag ges på fortsatt forskning kring deltestet Ansikten i Sverige.

A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.

A growing body of opinion, research, and legislation [PL 98-524] implies that school psychological evaluations with adolescents and young adults should routinely include estimates of vocational interests and aptitude. Certainly all secondary level special education evaluations should include this important vocational component. Evidence suggests that the experience of career development among learning disabled young adults is particularly frustrating and difficult without early planning and exploration of options. This study examines the utility of traditionally available psychometric data in assisting the clinician make initial, exploratory estimates of vocational aptitude without referring the client for specialized testing. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised [WAIS-R], and General Aptitude Test Battery [GATB] scores were subjected to a multivariate, canonical correlation analysis to examine the overlap among constructs estimated by these sets of variables. The sample was composed of 148 learning disabled young adults enrolled in a state supported vocational rehabilitation program. Three significant canonical correlations were interpreted. The redundancy index showed that 34% of the variance in GATB aptitudes is explained by three linear combinations of WAIS-R subtest scaled scores, and that 31% of the WAIS-R subtest variance is predictable from three composites of GATB aptitude scores. Analysis of the structure correlations suggests that the first pair of canonical variates [Rc = .87] share a general intelligence, or verbal comprehension factor. A second pair [Rc= .73] share a perceptual and motor coordination construct. The third pair of canonical variates [Rc = .61] define a perceptual speed, or psychomotor construct that overlaps both the GATB and the WAIS-R set of test scores. There is evidence that GATB and WAIS-R estimate similar, but essentially independent dimensions of the same three psychoeducational constructs. WAIS-R may provide better estimates of fluid ability than GATB; and GATB may provide better estimates of crystallized ability than WAIS-R. Clinical implications for psychologists making exploratory estimates of vocational ability and aptitude from clinical profiles of WAIS-R scaled scores are discussed. Assessment issues with respect to the learning disabled young adult are also presented. [175 references]
Ed. D.

Performance on the Spatial Span subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale has been viewed as an indicator of working memory and visuospatial processing. A number of factors including age and gender have been posited to effect performance on Spatial Span by older adults. The current study examined the impact of various forms of cognitive impairment and severity of impairment on Spatial Span performance. Five hundred thirty-eight individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were evaluated in a university memory disorders clinic using a battery of neuropsychological tests that included Spatial Span. Participants were grouped by consensus diagnosis into type of cognitive impairment (Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment or non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment) or cognitively normal. As expected, an increase in severity of impairment results in a decrease in Spatial Span Total Score. Other findings included a weak relationship between age and Spatial Span Total Score. Gender, as well as age, did not fully account for the decline in Spatial Span Total Score. Spatial Span Forward score was not as good a predictor of severity in that reduction in score for Spatial Span Forward remains relatively stable regardless of level of impairment. Spatial Span Backward performance was found to be more sensitive to severity. No significant differences were found between performance of Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease suggesting they share similar deficit patterns with regard to the cognitive abilities measured by the Spatial Span subtest. A comparison between those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and individuals without such a diagnosis showed no significant difference suggesting that visuospatial processes are not affected early in the dementing process.

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Na avaliação psicológica, a utilização de instrumentos que contribuam para a detecção e o diagnóstico diferencial de declínios é de alta relevância. A escala Wechsler de Inteligência para Adultos – 3ª edição (WAIS-III) é reconhecida mundialmente como padrão-ouro. No entanto, no público idoso, o tempo de sua aplicação pode ocasionar fadiga, desatenção e desmotivação. Assim, formas abreviadas têm sido propostas e defendidas na literatura especializada. O presente estudo teve o objetivo geral de verificar as evidências de validade de critério de uma forma abreviada da escala, composta por oito subtestes (FA8). Especificamente, objetivou: a) descrever o perfil demográfico; b) caracterizar o desempenho de grupos com e sem declínio cognitivo na FA8; c) comparar o desempenho na FA8 e subtestes entre os idosos que apresentavam a doença crônica hipertensão e os não hipertensos, de acordo com a escolaridade; d) fornecer estimativas de QIs e Índices Fatoriais da escala; e) comparar a classificação qualitativa proposta pelo Manual da WAIS-III com os resultados obtidos a partir dos pontos de corte; f) investigar a associação entre a FA8 e testes de rastreio cognitivo e; g) identificar variáveis preditoras do desempenho cognitivo na FA8. A amostra de conveniência foi composta por 192 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes na comunidade ou em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos da cidade de Juiz de Fora (MG). As entrevistas, compostas por questionário sociodemográfico, de saúde, testes de rastreio cognitivo e a FA8, foram realizadas na residência dos idosos, que assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, e tiveram duração aproximada de 40 minutos. O gênero feminino foi predominante (n = 144; 75%). A média etária foi de 75,87 anos (DP = 9,14) e a de escolaridade foi de 6,40 anos (DP = 4,81). Em relação à situação conjugal, 43,2% (n = 83) da amostra foram constituídos por viúvos e 33,3% (n = 64) eram casados. Sobre o desempenho cognitivo, a média da amostra total na FA8 foi de 107,43 pontos (DP = 29,28). Ao dividir a amostra em grupos com (G1) e sem (G2) declínio cognitivo, verificou-se que a performance na FA8 associou-se positiva e significativamente com a escolaridade. O melhor ponto de corte para a FA8 foi 142. Entre idosos de 60 a 69, de 70 a 79 e de 80 ou mais anos foram 160, 129 e 129 pontos, respectivamente. A FA8 apresentou boa sensibilidade (80,0%) e especificidade (77,3%), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram de 77,3% e 80%, respectivamente. O modelo de regressão foi composto pelas variáveis escolaridade, idade e situação conjugal, explicando 49,2% do desempenho cognitivo. A partir dos parâmetros psicométricos aferidos, concluiu-se que a FA8 é relevante na identificação de prejuízo cognitivo de idosos, além de poder ser aplicada com redução de aproximadamente 50% em relação à escala completa. Sugere-se a utilização mais frequente da FA8, tanto na clínica quanto em pesquisas, objetivando um maior refinamento no conhecimento da utilidade dos pontos de corte.
The use of instruments that contribute to the detection and differential diagnosis of impairment is highly relevant for psychological evaluation. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) has received worldwide recognition as the gold standard. Yet, the time needed for its application may lead to fatigue, inattention and loss of motivation, when the elderly population is tested. Thus, abbreviated versions have been proposed and defended in the specialized literature. This study had the general objective to assess criterion validity evidence of a short form of the scale, composed of eight subtests (SF8). The study specifically aimed to: a) describe the epidemiologic profile; b) characterize the performance of the groups with and without cognitive decline on SF8; c) compare the performance in SF8 and subtests among the elderly with hypertensive chronic disease and non hypertensive, according to the schooling; d) provide estimates of IQs and factorial indexes of the scale; e) compare the qualitative classification proposed by the WAIS-III manual with the results obtained from the cut-off points; f) investigate the association between SF8 and tests of cognitive screening and; g) identify variables predictive of cognitive performance on SF8. The convenience sample was composed of 192 individuals from both sexes, aged 60 years or above, living in the community or in institutions devoted to the long stay of elderly, in the city of Juiz de Fora (MG). The interviews, composed of health and sociodemographic questionnaires, cognitive screening tests, and the SF8, were applied in the elderly´s places of residence, and lasted for approximately 40 minutes. Participants signed an informed consent form. The female sex predominated (n = 144; 75%). Mean age was 75.87 years (SD = 9.14) and mean schooling was 6.40 years (SD = 4.81). As fort marital status, 43.2% (n = 83) lived in widowhood, and 33.3% (n = 64) were married. In a sub-sample, composed of 118 elderly, 53.4% (n = 63) had hypertension. As for cognitive performance, the mean for the whole sample was 107.43 points (SD = 29.28), on SF8. On dividing the sample in groups with (G1) and without (G2) cognitive decline, performance on SF8 was observed to be positively and significantly associated with schooling. The highest cut-off point on SF8 was 142. Among elderly aged from 60 to 69 years, from 70 to 79 years, and 80 or above, the results were 160, 129 and 129 points, respectively. SF8 had good sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (77.3%), with 95% confidence interval. Positive and negative predictive values were 77.3% and 80%, respectively. The regression model was composed of the variables schooling, age and marital status, accounting for 49.2% of the cognitive performance. From the psychometric parameters assessed, SF8 was relevant for the identification of cognitive impairment in the elderly. The instrument can be applied to the elderly, with a time reduction of approximately 50% compared to the full scale. It is suggested that the SF8 should be more frequently used, both in the clinic and in research, aiming at a better refinement of the knowledge on the usefulness of the cut-off points.

This study identified a sample of children with specific learning disabilities according to Public Law 94-142 criteria. The primary purpose of the study was to examine whether sample member's intravariability of WISC-R subtest scaled scores was related to their reading achievement gain. A second purpose was to determine if any relationship existed between intelligence and reading achievement gain. Eighty-four Resource placed elementary students composed the study sample. They ranged from six to eleven years of age, and were primarily male caucasian. Since 1989, each sample member had been administered the WISC-R once; and , each sample member had been administered the WJTEA-R twice, with at least 12 months separating the two administrations . Results identified no relationship between WSIC-R subtest scaled score scatter and reading achievment gain on the WJTEA-R. A positive correlation was identified be tween intelligence level and academic gains in reading. Important ancillary correlations of significance identified for all subjects included a negative relationship be tween the variable Age and the variables Intelligence , Academic gain, and the WISC-R FD factor . When intelligence was held to within average parameters significant correlations were identified between the variable Achievement and the variables Age and Time (negative), and with the WISC-R FD and VC factors (positive) . Multiple regression analyses indicated the FD factor best able to predict academic gain for this group. It is probable, that in the identification of learning disabled students, that the identification of processing disorders (as with previously sought patterns) is not viable. It may be that the only key characteristics are intellectual level and severe discrepancy.

There has been much controversy concerning the comparability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA). Previous research has raised the issue of a mean score discrepancy between the tests when used with the learning disabled. This study analyzed and compared performances on these two tests by re-evaluated and newly referred LD students and newly referred non-LD students. In addition, subtypes of LD students were formed on the basis of achievement test scores. These students' test performances were also analyzed and compared. The results of this study were consistent with previous research. The Full Scale scores from the two tests were highly correlated in all three groups, but the WISC-R was significantly higher than the WJTCA for each group. Across the identified LD subtypes there was a significant difference between the Full Scale scores from the two tests. However, meaningful patterns of strengths and weaknesses across aspects of cognitive functioning were not uncovered. These results indicate that the WISC-R and WJTCA result in significantly different estimates of the cognitive ability of LD and referred students. This difference can be attributed to a combination of three possible explanations--the effects of the use of non-random samples, the use of different norm groups when the tests were standardized, and the tests contain different content.

This study examined the effects of level and quality of education on WAIS-III Digit Symbol-Incidental Learning performance. The Pairing and Free Recall measures were administered to a South African sample (N = 68, age range 19-30), which was stratified for English and African language, level of education attained (Grade 12s and Graduates) and quality of education (advantaged and disadvantaged schooling). Results yielded no significant main or interaction effects between acculturation factors of level and quality of education. Normative guidelines of 13 or more pairs and 8 or more free recall symbols, appropriate to a non-clinical sample in a multicultural setting, are provided. Digit Symbol-Incidental Learning proved to be a culture-fair test, which contributes to its clinical utility as a sensitive memory screening tool.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - 3rd Edition (WAIS-III) is the newest of the internationally recognised Wechsler family of intelligence tests. It has been improved in terms of its psychometric properties, neuropsychological assessment abilities and its content. This test is in the process of being standardised by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa. As the adapted South African version will be available shortly for use in the multicultural circumstances of South Africa, the application of the various aspects of this test needs to be investigated. This test is very comprehensive and thorough, however its one disadvantage is that it takes on average three hours to administer in its entirety. Thus there is a need to find ways in which to abbreviate the test for particular purposes when time is limited, for example in research, brief clinical assessments or neuropsychological screenings. The concept of abbreviating tests, including the earlier Wechsler intelligence test can be traced back to 1917, when it was asked if all the items on the Binet-Simon scale were required to give an accurate assessment of IQ (Levy, 1968). Since then there have been many short form suggestions made, with many different considerations in mind. These can be divided into two main approaches or methods. Firstly, the number of subtests of the scale can be reduced. Thus with the WAIS-III which consists of 14 subtests in total, an option is to use, for example only four of the subtests to get an estimate of a person's IQ. Secondly, the number of items in each subtest can be reduced. Thus only half the items or even only a third of the items on a subtest can be administered to get an estimate of the persons' performance on each subtest and in this way estimate their overall IQ. Both methods have been used on the WAIS and WAIS-R, although the reduction of the subtests is favoured. Both should now be validated and considered for use with the WATS-III in South Africa. Wechsler tests and their constituent subtests have been found to be differentially effected by race, education, language and socio-economic status (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988; Nell 1999). These differences have also been found to impact on the short forms which are suggested, as certain subtests are considered to be more biased towards particular groups than others. Vocabulary and Block Design in particular bias testees who are not as westernised or acculturated towards a largely American and European culture (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988). These differences, although often ascribed to race, language or socio-economic status can best be understood more broadly in terms of degree of acculturation (i.e. westernisation) (Shuttleworth-Jordan, 1996) and test-wiseness (Nell, 1999). In South Africa in particular, with its extreme cultural diversity these factors need to be carefully considered when developing short forms. In the present study the development of a short form appropriate to South Africa's diverse cultural circumstances will be approached, through a sample which has been stratified according to gender, first language (English vs. African), quality of schooling received (Private/Model C vs. DET) and level of education achieved (Matric vs. Graduate). Both a subtest reduction method and an item reduction method will be considered to arrive at a short form. The subtest reduction method will be considered further in an attempt to clarify which subtests would be more or less appropriate to include in a short form considering group differences. Finally the thesis will develop suggestions as to which short forms would be best for use in South Africa.

The purpose of this study was to compare the practice effects of "normal" students on the WISC-R Coding subtest to those of "learning disabled" students, to see if Coding can be used as a measure of "learning potential." In addition, data from the WISC-R Coding subtest were compared to subjects' scores from the four subtests of the British Columbia Quick Individual Educational Test (B.C.Q.U.I.E.T.). The WISC-R Coding subtest was administered to 38 students from two school districts, one urban and one rural; it was readministered approximately 24 hours later. Seventeen of the students were classified as "learning disabled" and came from regional learning centers in each district. Twenty one students selected from elementary schools in the two districts were classified as "normal." Analysis of the data showed that the students could be pooled into two groups, one labeled "normal" and one "learning disabled." Further analysis found significant differences between the pre-and posttest Coding scores for the normal group but not for the learning disabled group. There was also a significant difference between the two groups on both their pre-and posttest Coding scores. Significant correlations were found between all four of the B.C.Q.U.I.E.T. subtest and posttest Coding scores for normal subjects. The learning disabled group's scores correlated significantly with the Coding subtest. For the normal group no significant correlations were found between pre-and posttest Coding scores; however these scores were correlated significantly for the learning disabled group. A multivariate discriminant analysis found the two groups could be clearly separated by using a combination of all four B.C.Q.U.I.E.T. subtests and the pre-and posttest Coding scores. Results indicated that students classified as "normal" showed significantly greater practice effects on the WISC-R Coding subtest than students classified as "learning disabled". Furthermore these two groups could be identified clearly using a discriminant analysis with a combination of all four subtests of the B.C.Q.U.I.E.T. and pre-and posttest Coding scores. It would seem that there is merit in pursuing the use of the WISC-R Coding test-retest scores to screen for learning disabilities, especially in combination with B.C.Q.U.I.E.T. subtest scores. Implications were discussed.
Education, Faculty of
Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of
Graduate

The primary aim of this study was to develop age-related normative data for the WISC-R Digits Forward, Digits Backward, Digits Difference, Digit Supraspan, and Coding Incidental Recall (Immediate and 30' Delayed) tests for a non-clinical population of South African school children aged 6 and 7. The effects of sex, English versus Xhosa language, and white versus black race groups, were additional investigations. Subjects were randomly selected from three English speaking Grahamstown schools; level of education ranged from pre-school to Sub Standard B; English speaking subjects included predominantly white children, with a small proportion of coloured, Chinese and Indian children; Xhosa speaking children were all black. Interim normative data on all tests across two age groups (6 and 7) are presented, and are considered reliable and diagnostically useful in clinical neuropsychological assessment. There were no significant effects for age, sex, English versus Xhosa language or white versus black race groups, on any of the tests with the exception of Digits Backward which yielded marginally lower scores for black Subjects. Although the mean IQ estimate based on the Draw-A-Person test was equivalent across age, sex, English versus Xhosa language and white versus black race groups, an intelligence rating of subjects by teachers revealed that black subjects were evaluated significantly lower than white subjects. This suggests the presence of prejudicial racial attitudes amongst educators in these predominantly English speaking white schools.

The prediction of success in college has received a substantial amount of research interest. A variety of predictor variables have been examined including personality and demographic variables as well as scores on standardized college entrance examinations. However, few studies have included the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). In the present study, this researcher examined the ability of the WAIS-R to predict college success as measured by grade point average (GPA). The participants were 49 undergraduates, from a public university, who volunteered for intellectual assessments. It was hypothesized that the WAIS-R would predict college GPA. The prediction was expected to be stronger with the Verbal Scale of the WAIS-R than with the Performance Scale. The magnitude of the predictions was expected to decrease across time spent in college. The results indicated that the WAIS-R does predict college GPA. The differences between predictions from the Verbal Scale and the Performance Scale were not significant. The predictions did not significantly decrease with time spent in college. Gender differences were also found for GPA after 120 hours. Gender accounted significantly for the most unique variance in the prediction of GPA after 120 hours followed by ACT/SAT score and then WAIS-R IQ scores.

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Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Psicofarmacologia (AFIP)
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
O teste Memoria Logica da Bateria Wechsler Memory Scale- Revised (WMS-R), constituido de duas estorias que devem ser recordadas, e um teste amplamente utilizado na pratica clinica como instrumento de avaliacao da memoria episodica verbal. O principal objetivo desse estudo foi analisar as propriedades psicometricas iniciais de seis estorias alternativas desenvolvidas a partir das estorias originais da referida bateria. A importancia da validacao de versoes alternativas deve-se a necessidade de teste-reteste em pacientes pre e pos-cirurgicos. Assim, as estorias originais e as alternativas foram aplicadas em 655 jovens saudaveis, entre 18 e 35 anos de idade, de instituicoes de ensino superior. As estorias foram aplicadas nas salas de aula, sendo requisitada recordacao imediata e tardia de cada estoria. Foi realizada analise do conteudo da recordacao a fim de estabelecer uma tabela apropriada para a correcao das estorias. Paralelamente, o desempenho dos participantes foi comparado a fim de analisar a equivalencia das versoes alternativas e aplicado o metodo de Analise de Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). Os resultados indicaram que quatro estorias se mostraram equivalentes as estorias originais, se aplicadas individualmente, mas se aplicadas em pares todas as estorias alternativas formam pares equivalentes ao par original. A TRI permitiu destacar quais itens possuem maior indice discriminativo. O presente estudo oferece uma alternativa quanto ao uso de testes de memoria, pois as estorias poderao ser aplicadas repetidamente sem os efeitos da pratica, propiciando dados robustos tanto na pratica clinica como para futuros estudos de normatizacao.
The Logical Memory Test Battery Wechsler Memory Scale -Revised (WMS -R), consisting of two stories that should be remembered, is a widely used test in clinical practice as a tool for assessment of verbal episodic memory. The main objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the initial six stories alternatives developed from the original stories of that battery. The importance of validation of alternative versions due to the need for test-retest reliability in patients before and after surgery. Thus, the original stories and the alternatives were applied in 655 healthy young , between 18 and 35 years of age, higher education institution. The stories were applied in classrooms, and required immediate and delayed recall of each story. We performed content analysis of memory in order to establish an appropriate table to correct the stories. In parallel, participants' performance was compared in order to examine the equivalence of alternate versions and applied the method of analysis of Item Response Theory (IRT). The results indicated that four stories proved equivalent to the original stories, if applied individually, but if applied in pairs all stories alternative form pairs equivalent to the original pair. The ITR underscored what items are more discriminating index. This study offers an alternative to the use of memory tests, because the stories may be applied repeatedly without practice effects, providing robust data both in clinical practice and for future studies on regulation.
BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major concern for health professionals as it is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Patients can experience difficulties that include intellectual impairment, memory impairment, and executive functioning deficits. Psychometric tests have been used to assist in the diagnosis of head injuries. Specifically, the Wechsler scales are recognized in the scientific and medical communities as the most widely utilized measure of general intellectual function in older adolescents and adults. The recently published Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) is a revision of the WAIS-III. No studies have been published to date relevant to the effects of head trauma or other neurological disorders due to the recent introduction of the test. The purpose of the study was to understand the immediate intellectual consequences of head injury in adults along a continuum of severity, evaluate whether new additions to the WAIS-IV provide additional information about the effects of head trauma, and determine if the length of recovery affects the WAIS-IV indices differently. A total of 47 participants between the ages of 18-89 were selected from inpatient and outpatient admissions at a major trauma center. Participants who had sustained a closed-head injury were selected and tested between 1 month and 36 months post-injury (once any post traumatic amnesia had resolved). Patients were administered the Galveston Orientation Amnesia Test, Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, and WAIS-IV. The main question addressed by the current study was the extent to which brain injured adults display intellectual deficits and if these were consistent with those observed on prior versions of the Wechsler scales. An examination of the pattern of intellectual impairments and the effects of demographic corrections on the WAIS-IV was also conducted. Results indicated that the WAIS-IV IQ and indexes were reduced significantly by traumatic brain injury, and that more severe injuries were likely to show the most pronounced effect on the Processing Speed Index. Abnormalities visualized by brain CT or MRI scans were associated with lower IQ's and index scores than were shown by patients with traumatic head injury that had normal CT scans. There was no evidence that corrections for educational level, ethnicity, and gender improved the sensitivity of the WAIS-IV to injury severity beyond that obtained by corrections for age.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the kind of neuropsychological information that can be obtained from an investigation of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) subtests. Additionally, there was an examination of the shared variance between the WAIS and the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNB). The archival data collected from the files of '220 females and 188 males from a large midwestern medical center were used. They had been originally diagnosed with objective research criteria.All eleven subtests of the WAIS and the HalsteadReitan Neuropsychological Battery were administered to the subjects in the years between 1981 and 1983. Thirteen scores were obtained from the HRNB measures. Statistical analyses of the results made use of the techniques of multiple regression and canonical correlation.The individual WAIS subtests were examined for the neuropsychological information they provided. Globally, three HRNB measures, APHASIA, RHY, AND CAT-TOT contributed significantly to a majority of the regression equations for the WAIS subtests. Their presence suggested that language skills, an auditory attention factor, and a general intellective factor were being tapped (Dean, 1985a).A canonical correlation was computed. The results yielded one significant correlation between the linear components of the WAIS and the HRNB tests. Only canonical variates with weights of +/- .2 were considered large enough for interpretation. The WAIS subtests meeting the .2 criteria included Block Design, Digit Symbol, and Similarities, while the HRNB measures meeting criteria were APHASIA and CAT-TOT. Therefore, it would appear that the significant variables measured the general (g) factor as in Spearman's research (1927). According to the Stewart and Love formula (cited in Pedhazur, 1982), the variability of the WAIS did overlap with the HRNB, and their relationship was symmetrical.This research demonstrated that the measured tasks from the WAIS were a complex of underlying constructs. The verbal portion of the WAIS was shown to be less highly related to the HRNB variables than the performance portion of the scale. The WAIS and HRNB do offer nonredundant information concerning the impaired and unimpaired adult's cognitive functioning.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III) test scores in children with Learning Disabilities. Previous research has suggested that some children with Learning Disabilities do not demonstrate the same stability of performance, over time, on the Wechsler as many children in the general population.The sample utilized in this study consisted of 214 children who had been identified as having Learning Disabilities. WISC-III data was collected through archival review of education files.Test-retest stability for the WISC-III over a period of approximately three years was assessed using correlational and t-test data. For the total sample, three year test-retest correlations for the Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full Scale IQ were .67, .73, and .74, respectively. However, Verbal IQ, Full Scale IQ, and Verbal Index scores were observed to drop significantly between testings. Mean score differences for the Verbal IQ and Verbal Comprehension scales were slightly over three points. The mean difference for the Full Scale IQ was slightly less than two points.Analysis of individual scores indicated considerable variability, with some students decreasing as much as 30 or increasing as much as 37 IQ points at the time of retesting. Analysis of distribution of score differences suggested that the children with Learning Disabilities in this sample demonstrated more variability in performance, overall, than might be anticipated in the general population.
Department of Educational Psychology

Prior research (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2004) presented preliminary normative data for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – III (WAIS-III) for Southern Africa, stratified according to gender (female vs. male), language (black African vs. white English), level of education (matric/12+ years of education vs. Graduate/15+ years of education) and quality of education (disadvantaged – Department of Education and Training vs. advantaged - Private/Model C). IQ scores for black African language and white English Southern Africans were comparable with the United States of America (USA) standardization when level and quality of education were equitable. (‘White English’ is the term used to denote those of European descent whose first language is English). A limitation of the research was the lack of control for language for most of the black groups and particularly in the Private/Model C Graduate group, where sixty percent of the participants originated from Zimbabwe. These represented a particularly elite group whose education was equitable to that of the white participants throughout their education (i.e. at primary, secondary and tertiary level). In order to rectify the lack of homogeneity of language, all non- Xhosa first language participants were excluded from the black sample and sixteen additional Xhosa first language participants were tested on the WAIS-III. Data analyses found no significant differences between the original and new groups, except in the comparison between Mixed African language Private/Model C Graduates and the Xhosa first language Private/Model C Graduate/15+ years of education, where there was a lowering of WAIS-III subtest, index and IQ scores in the newly constituted group. This lowering in test performance is explained in that the new Xhosa first language 15+ years of education group was a less advantaged group than the original Mixed African Language Private/Model C Graduate group, as the new group generally had less advantaged primary school education and had generally studied less at a tertiary level. Overall, these results demonstrate an incremental increase in WAIS-III test performance for sample groups on a continuum of quality of education from least to most advantaged education. This was true for both verbal and non-verbal subtests.

It has been suggested that the use of standardized intelligence tests is biased against minorities. This study investigates the newly revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III in which Wechsler states that the new scale has eliminated biased items. Comparisons of the scores on the WISC-R and the WISC-III of a clinical population of sixteen African American and eighteen Caucasian males, ages ten to sixteen, revealed significant differences between the two groups on the WISC-III. The minority scores decreased predictably from the WISC-R to the WISC-III, but the Caucasian scores increased rather than decreasing. The findings of this study do not support the predictions and goals of revision as stated in the manual of the WISC-III.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate WISC-III Verbal short forms for school-age children identified as visually impaired. The rationale for use of WISC-III Verbal short forms is to provide a time saving and technically sound measure for the screening and/or periodical re-evaluation of children with visual impairments who may require special education services. The total sample consisted of the WISC-III test scores of 78 children identified with the handicapping condition of either partial sightedness or legal blindness, who had been given the regularly administered Verbal subtests. The mean age level of the total sample was 11 years, 4 months. Three additional groups were obtained from the test records of the original data which included, children identified as either partially sighted or legally blind (n=62) who were given the regularly administered Verbal subtests and supplementary Digit Span subtest (referred to as the Digit Span group), and children identified as partially sighted (n=47), and legally blind (n=31), who were given only the regularly administered Verbal subtests. Ninety-seven percent of the data were obtained from existing test records, and the remaining data from the actual administration of the WISC-III Verbal subtests for the purpose of collecting data for the study. Children identified with the handicapping conditions of multiple disabilities or mental retardation were not included in the sample. For the total sample and additional groups, the mean Verbal IQ score and mean scaled score of the individual subtests fell in the average range. The WISC-III Verbal short form combinations were identified by utilizing the formulas of Tellegen and Briggs (1967) for determining the reliability and validity coefficients of short form combinations. High reliability and validity coefficients were obtained for all two-, three-, and four-subtest combinations of the total sample and additional groups. The study results suggest WISC-III Verbal short forms offer a time efficient and technically sound measure to be utilized in assessment of the verbal intellectual development of school-age children with visual impairments.

While memory is the faculty that affords us learning, adaptation and development, it is our executive function that oversees, manages and organizes these abilities. Still, there is limited research on the interaction between memory and executive function. The present study investigated this relationship through Principal Components Analysis. Performances on accepted measures of memory and executive function were evaluated in an adult clinical sample. Components were retained using three criteria: a predetermined four-component structure, eigenvalues exceeding a value of one, and parallel analysis. Results demonstrated that a four-component model most accurately represented the data. Analyses also revealed that measures of immediate and delayed memory did not uniquely assess memory but instead loaded onto components associated with visual and verbal processing. The findings were shown to be in support of the brain working in an integrated, systematic manner in which abilities hierarchically ascend from arousal to tertiary function. Consequently, several accepted measures of memory and executive function failed to measure cognitive capacity unique from visual and verbal processing, placing their construct validity and efficacy in question.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of "game" and "test" instructions on the intelligence test performance of high- and low-test-anxious children. Eighty-one subjects diagnosed as learning disabled were given the Test Anxiety Scale for Children (TASC) to determine their level of test anxiety. Based on TASC scores, 44 subjects were classified as either fljgj- or low- test-anxious. These subjects were given the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) using either game or test instructions to introduce the test. The resulting 10 and subtest configuration scores were used to compare high- and low-test-anxious subjects by the type of instructions they received prior to testing. This comparison yielded no significant differences between high and low-test-anxious subjects, indicating that the way the WISC-R is Introduced does not play a significant role in the WISC-R performance of high- and low-test-anxious children.

This study investigated the relationship between the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (SBIV) in a brain-damaged adult sample. The sample in this study was composed of 30 adult patients at two residential treatment programs who completed comprehensive psychological evaluations between August, 1986 and November, 1987. Each patient was administered both the WAIS-R and the SBIV as part of these evaluations. Data gathered in this study was submitted to Pearson product moment correlational statistical procedures. Significant correlations were found in the following pairs of summary scores: the SBIV Test Composite Standard Age Score (SAS) and the WAIS-R Full Scale IQ; the SBIV Abstract/Visual Reasoning Area SAS and the WAIS-R Performance IQ; the SBIV Quantitative Reasoning Area SAS and the WAIS-R Verbal Scale IQ; the SBIV Verbal Reasoning Area SAS and the WAIS-R Verbal Scale IQ; the SBIV Short-Term Memory Area SAS and the WAIS-R Verbal Scale IQ; and the SBIV Short-Term Memory Area SAS and the WAIS-R Full Scale IQ. Significant correlations were also found in the following pairs of individual subtest results: the SBIV and WAIS-R Vocabulary subtests; the SBIV Memory for Digits subtest and the WAIS-R Digit Span subtest; the SBIV Pattern Analysis subtest and the WAIS-R Block Design subtest; and the SBIV Paper Folding and Cutting subtest and the WAIS-R Picture Arrangement subtest. Directions for future research were also suggested upon review of the subtest correlation matrix and the descriptive statistics of data generated.

Recent national longitudinal studies of special education students indicate that schools should concentrate on developing students' skills matched to the requirements of their potential occupations. Evidence suggests that the experience of career development among adolescents with learning disabilities is especially frustrating without early exploration and planning. This study investigates the value of using available psychometric data in assisting the school psychologist and other professionals to make initial exploratory estimates of vocational aptitude without referring the student for specialized vocational assessment. General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) scores were used in multiple regression analyses to examine the predictive relationships existing between the two instruments. The population studied included 172 adolescents wi th learning disabilities enrolled in a public school division. The analyses in this study reveal a high degree of validity between the GATB and WAIS-R. However, the prediction equation appears unsuitable for using the WAIS-R subtests for predicting GATB aptitudes. Aptitude F explains the highest degree of variance. Other squared multiple regressions range as low as .13 for Aptitude Q to as high as .52 for Aptitude S. Results suggest that even though the GATB and WAIS-R share common variance, there is enough independent information provided by each test to warrant employing both in order to insure that the students' vocational aptitudes are fully diagnosed. Implications for school psychologists and other professionals doing exploratory assessments of vocational aptitude from available WAIS-R subtests are discussed, as are assessment issues regarding adolescents with learning disabilities.
Ph. D.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 1999.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 182 p. : ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-143).

Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most common mental health problems diagnosed in children and adolescents, and numerous theories explaining why children experience these debilitating disorders have been proposed. Established diagnostic criteria that differentiate anxious and depressive symptomatology characterize both groups of disorders as having an adverse effect on the child's academic and social functioning. While research has sought to examine the cognitive effects these disorders have on adults, there is relatively limited research on the cognitive effects in children and adolescents. The available research literature examining effects of anxiety and depression on intelligence test performance is also inconclusive, and there are no studies that characterize the effects of these disorders on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth edition. The purpose of the study was to clarify the effects of childhood anxiety and depression on intelligence test scores using the current fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Participants were selected from an archival database from a neuropsychology clinic and separated into two groups according to clinical diagnosis. No significant differences were found between the children and adolescents diagnosed with clinical disorders and the standardization sample or in idiographic analyses with regard to the WISC-IV Full Scale IQ or the Working Memory Index. The Processing Speed Index was found to be significantly lower than the Verbal Comprehension Index in children diagnosed with major depressive disorder. This finding was not observed in the anxiety disorders group. Examination of component subtest score patterns showed that Coding and Symbol Search were reduced in the depression group. This finding is consistent with previous studies, which suggest that reduced performance on the Processing Speed Index may be attributed to psychomotor retardation in major depressive disorder.

Instrumentos de avaliação da memória episódica não verbal são escassos. Além disto, consideramos a crescente necessidade de esforços para a adaptação transcultural de instrumentos de memória para nosso contexto. O subteste Visual Reproduction I e II (Reprodução Visual I e II) faz parte da Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) e se trata de uma escala mundialmente utilizada e adaptada a diversas culturas, sendo considerada padrão ouro dentre as medidas de avaliação da memória. No presente estudo, utilizamos o subteste Reprodução Visual, da WMS na sua quarta edição (WMS-IV). O Reprodução Visual (RV) é subdividido em três domínios de investigação da memória visual (evocação imediata, evocação tardia e reconhecimento) e uma tarefa opcional para avaliação da percepção visual, habilidades construtivas e atenção aos detalhes (cópia). Além disto, o escore de cada um dos três domínios avaliados podem ser contrastados, de modo que se obtenham informações sobre a retenção, o quanto a memória é melhor ou pior do que as habilidades construtivas e, por último, o quão o sujeito evoca livremente ou precisa de pistas para evocar a informação aprendida. Esta versão da WMS-IV é uma revisão da WMS-III, cujos estudos resultaram em algumas alterações metodológicas e de conteúdo, no sentido de facilitar a análise dos resultados, diminuir os vieses de aplicação e correção. Desta forma, para atingir os propósitos desta pesquisa foram realizados dois estudos: o Estudo 1 teve como objetivo realizar a adaptação transcultural do subteste Visual Reproduction I and II - Wechsler Memory Scale IV (WMS-IV) e apresentar uma versão para uso preliminar no Brasil. O estudo 2 consistiu na avaliação das suas propriedades psicométricas. Participaram do estudo 1 três tradutores com fluência no inglês, que realizaram traduções independentes, dois tradutores profissionais e dois juízes especialistas (um neurologista e uma neuropsicóloga). Os juízes especialistas e um tradutor profissional investigaram a equivalência conceitual, semântica e operacional dos itens. Uma amostra de 24 sujeitos saudáveis responderam ao pré-teste, que consistiu na investigação da compreensão e dificuldade da versão adaptada do Reprodução Visual I e II. No estudo dois, participaram 62 adultos saudáveis e 29 adultos com Acidente vascular cerebral em hemisfério direito, no território da Artéria cerebral média (AVC-ACMHD). Os sujeitos tinham idade entre 20 e 59 anos e as respostas foram consideradas para análises de confiabilidade e validade baseadas em análises estatísticas da teoria clássica (ANOVA, ANCOVA, coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, e correlação de Pearson) e da teoria moderna de testagem (Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI) através do modelo de um parâmetro ou método de Rasch). O processo de análise das propriedades psicométricas utilizou a metodologia recomendada pelo American Educational Research Association [AERA], American Psychological Association [APA] e o National council on measure in education [NCME], 2008 indicada pela editora responsável pelos direitos autorais do WMS-IV. Na confiabilidade, foi investigada a consistência interna (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach) e a estabilidade temporal (correlação de Pearson). Na investigação da validade, foram investigados: os processos de resposta, a estrutura interna (correlação de Pearson, Teoria de resposta ao Item pelo método de Rash), a relação com outros instrumentos (Mini Exame do Estado Mental - MEEM e Figuras Complexas de Rey) e a relação com variáveis externas (AVC-ACMHD comparados a controles saudáveis). O índice de consistência interna do subteste foi de 0,92 e a estabilidade teste-reteste mostrou correlação significativa, exceto com a tarefa de evocação tardia. Esses resultados são similares aos do estudo original, sendo, portanto caracterizada a sua equivalência. Os resultados do estudo de validade mostraram que há equivalência em termos de conteúdo.A investigação da estrutura interna pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson evidenciou que todas as figuras obtiveram correlação significativa (p<0,001). Ainda mais: correlacionaram-se congruentemente durante toda a tarefa. Na investigação da estrutura interna pelo método de Rasch foi evidenciado que o teste é unidimensional, que a progressão de theta ao longo das categorias de resposta foram como o esperado pelo modelo. A TRI mostrou que a figura mais fácil é a figura 1 da tarefa de evocação imediata e a mais difícil é a figura 5 de evocação tardia. Os índices de correlação theta foram superiores a 0,5, mostrando correlação. No mapa de pessoas-itens as variáveis tenderam a avaliar o constructo em níveis inferiores ao de habilidade dos sujeitos, sugerindo a necessidade de itens avaliando níveis mais altos do constructo. Na análise de validade considerando outras medidas a tarefa de evocação imediata o escore total e evocação tardia apresentaram correlação com o total da tarefa de memória das figuras complexas de Rey. As tarefas de cópia correlacionaram-se com o total de cópia do teste das figuras complexas de Rey. A tarefa de evocação imediata o escore total e evocação tardia apresentaram correlação com o total do MEEM. A análise de covariância mostrou que a escolaridade exerce influência nos escores do RV. Assim, depois de controlada a escolaridade foi evidenciado que os controles tiveram melhor desempenho em todas as tarefas do RV, quando comparados aos pacientes com AVC-ACMHD. Na análise qualitativa, através do escalonamento e contraste dos escores, foi observado que o baixo desempenho dos pacientes com AVC se deve ao fato de que esses pacientes percebem muito mal o item, com pior controle motor, habilidade visuo-construtiva e capacidade de prestar atenção a detalhes. O resultado é uma menor aquisição da informações e as conseqüências são dificuldades na memória episódica não verbal . Os nossos resultados foram demonstrativos de que o RV da WMS- IV, além de culturalmente equivalente em termos de confiabilidade e validade, é adequado para a cultura dos sujeitos e pacientes avaliados em Ribeirão Preto, preciso e válido para o uso no Brasil. Saliente-se a necessidade de estudos normativos com esse subteste.
Tools for evaluation of non-verbal episodic memory are scarce. Furthermore, we consider the increasing need for efforts to cross-cultural adaptation of instruments of memory for our context. The subtest Visual Reproduction I and II is part of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and it is used worldwide scale and adapted to different cultures, and is considered the gold standard among assessment measures of memory. In the present study, we use the Visual Reproduction subtest of WMS in its fourth edition (WMS-IV). The Visual Reproduction (VR) is subdivided into three fields of research in visual memory (immediate recall, delayed recall and recognition) and an optional task to assess visual perception, constructive abilities and attention to detail (copy). Moreover, the score of each of the three domains can be contrasted evaluated in order to obtain information on retention, and the memory is better or worse than the constructive abilities, and finally, how the subject refers freely or need tracks to evoke the information learned. This version of the WMS-IV is a review of the WMS-III, whose studies have resulted in some changes in methodology and content, to facilitate the analysis of results, lower camest application and correction. Thus, to obtain the purposes of this research were carried out two studies: Study 1 was aimed at making cross-cultural adaptation of the subtest \"Visual Reproduction I and II - Wechsler Memory Scale - IV (WMS-IV)\" and present a version for use preliminary in Brazil and the second study consisted of an evaluation of its psychometric properties. The study included a three translators fluent in English, which made independent translations, translators two professional judges and two experts (a neurologist and a neuropsychologist) who performed the conceptual and item equivalence, semantic, and operational. 24 healthy subjects responded to the pretest, which consisted in the investigation of understanding and difficulty of the adapted version of the Visual Reproduction I and II. In the second study, participated in 62 healthy adults and 29 adults with stroke in the right hemisphere in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. All subjects were aged between 20 and 59 years and the responses were considered for analysis of reliability and validity based on statistical analysis of the classical theory (ANOVA, ANCOVA, Cronbach\'s alpha, and Pearsons correlation) and the modern theory testing (Item Theory Response IRT, the model of one parameter or Rasch method). The process of analyzing the psychometric properties following the methodology recommended by the American Educational Research Association [AERA], American Psychological Association [APA] and the National council on education measure in [NCME], 2008 - indicated by the publisher responsible for the copyright of the WMS-IV. In the reliability analysis, we investigated the internal consistency (Cronbach\'s alpha) and temporal stability (Pearsons correlation). To investigate the validity, were considered: the processes of response, the internal structure (Pearsons correlation and IRT), the relationship with other tools (Mini Mental State Exam- MMSE and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF).) and the relationship with external variables (stroke in the right hemisphere in the territory of the middle cerebral artery, compared to healthy controls). The index of internal consistency overall subtest was 0.92 and test-retest stability showed significant correlation, except with the task of delayed recall. These results are similar to the original study, showing thus their equivalence. The results of the validity study showed that there is equivalence in terms of investigating the internal structure and content. Pearson\'s correlation coefficient showed that all the figures obtained significant correlation (p <0.001) and further correlated with each moment congruently the task. In investigating the internal structure by the Rasch method has been shown that the test is one-dimensional that the progression of theta over the response categories was as expected by the model, and show that the figure is the easier task of Figure 1 - immediate recall, and is harder to figure 5- for delayed recall. The theta correlation coefficients were greater than 0.5, showing good correlation. On the map of people-items showed that the variables tended to evaluate the construct at levels below the skill of the subjects, suggesting the need for items assessing higher levels of the construct. In the analysis of validity considering other measures, the total score of immediate recall and delayed recall correlated with the total of memory task of the Rey complex figure copy. The copy of the Visual Reproduction correlated with copy of Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). The task of ROCF immediate recall of the total score and delayed recall correlated with total MMSE. Covariance analysis showed that education exercises influences on scores of the RV. So, after controlled the variable schooling, was evident that the controls performed better than patients with stroke on all Visual Reproduction subtest. The qualitative analysis via scaling contrast scores, shown that low performance of patients with stroke is due the fact they recognize the item very badly, the motor control, visuo-constructive ability and ability to pay attention to details is lowered. Its can occur, may be due apraxia, resulting in lower acquisition of the information, resulting in difficulties in non-verbal episodic memory. Our results showing that the Visual Reproduction subtest of the WMS-IV was considered culturally equivalent in terms of reliability and validity and is appropriate for culture of the subjects and patients evaluated in Ribeirão Preto, valid and reliable for use in Brazil. We emphasize the need of studies regarding to normative data for this subtest.

The present study examined the effects of socio-economic status, quality and level of education on performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 3rd Edition r.:w AIS-III). The study was conducted within the context of the present Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) W AIS-III standardisation process, cross-cultural psychometric research and the notion of test-wiseness. A South African sample (N = 68) comprising African first language (n = 40) and English first language (n = 28) participants, stratified for age (19 - 30 years), gender and educational attainment (Matric and Graduate) were utilised. Effects due to quality of education were determined by dividing the African language participants into those with private/model C schooling (n = 20) and those with DET schooling (n = 20). Effects due to level of education were determined by dividing the entire sample into those with Matric level education (n = 34) and those with Graduate level education (n = 34). Detailed demographic and socio-economic information were recorded for all participants, who completed the entire American version of the W AIS-III. Results revealed a highly significant positive correlation between high socio-economic status and W AIS-III Full Scale IQ. In addition the respective impact of the relatively poor quality of education and lower level of educational attainment on W AIS-III performance was substantial. These results were discussed in terms of their implications for cross-cultural research, the HSRC standardisation of the W AIS-III and the practical use of the W AIS-III in neuropsychological assessment.

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of children on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised (WPPSI-R) with their performance on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (SB:FE). One hundred and four children between 3 and 7 years of age were administered both tests. A moderate correlation was found between the WPPSI-R Full Scale IQ and the SB:FE Composite Score with a Pearson product-moment correlation of .46. This correlation suggests that the two tests are not interchangeable measures of children's intelligence. They may measure different, equally important aspects of intelligence. As both tests used are relatively new, the current findings should be considered one step in the accumulation of knowledge about the usefulness of the WPPSI-R.

This study looked at the relationship between the 27 indices on the California Verbal Learning Test - Children's Version (CVLT-C) and the 19 scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children - Third Edition (WISC-III). The sample consisted of 58 children, ages 6-16 from a clinical population. The subgroups with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities (LD), and High Ability (HA) were compared to children with no clinical diagnosis (ND) on WISC-III Full Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, and Performance IQ; on CVLT-C Total Recall Trials 1-5; and on CVLC factors of Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Free Delayed Recall, Cued Delayed Recall, and Inaccurate Recall. Twelve significant correlations were found between the CVLT-C and WISC-III including Full Scale IQ with Total Recall Trials 1-5, Discriminability, and False Positives; Verbal IQ with False Positives; Vocabulary with Total Recall Trials 1-5; Information with Serial Cluster Ratio; Digit Span with Total Recall Trials 1-5 and Discriminability; Processing Speed with Discriminability and False Positives; and Symbol Search with False Positives, all within the moderate range. In comparing clinical subgroups, children with ADHD did not differ significantly from those without a clinical diagnosis (ND) on any selected measures. Children diagnosed with learning disabilities were significantly lower on Total Recall Trials 1-5, Attention Span, and Cued Delayed Recall. Children with high abilities (HA) were significantly higher on WISC-III Full Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, CVLT-C Total Recall Trials 1-5, Learning Efficiency, and Free Delayed Recall. This study empirically supported a positive relationship between memory processes and cognitive abilities while also confirming that each are a part of a larger cognitive process.
Department of Educational Psychology

This study investigated the relation of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised (WISC-R) for learning disabled (LD) children, the relation of K-ABC Achievement subtests with other achievement tests, and the relation of verbal and perceptual abilities assessment and the K-ABC. One hundred white, middle to above socioeconomic status (SES), LD students 6 to 12 1/2 years old were administered the K-ABC in addition to the test battery used to identify them. Findings indicated significant differences (2<-01) between WISC-R Full Scale scores and KABC MPC scores, with MPC scores being 3.33 points lower. Significant correlations (2<-01) were found between the following: (a) WISC-R Performance scores and K-ABC Simultaneous scores, (b) K-ABC Sequential and Simultaneous scores, (c) WISC-R Performance and K-ABC Sequential scores, (d) K-ABC Arithmetic and WRAT Arithmetic, and (e) K-ABC Reading Understanding and the following: Woodcock Word Identification, Woodcock Passage Comprehension, WRAT Reading, and Durrell Silent Reading. The study found the MPC correlates higher with tests of perceptual ability than with tests of verbal ability. Results indicate the following: (a) the WISC-R and K-ABC can substitute each other when measuring overall intelligence, (b) the WISC-R and K-ABC do not measure the same abilities, (c) the Sequential-Simultaneous score discrepancy is a poor diagnostic indicator of LD, (d) the discrepancy between the Achievement scale and the K-ABC intelligence scales is a poor diagnostic indicator of LD, (e) the K-ABC Arithmetic subtest is no better and no worse than the WRAT Arithmetic subtest, (f) WRAT Reading, Woodcock Word Identification and K-ABC Reading Recognition are not interchangeable measures of word calling skills, (g) the K-ABC Reading Understanding subtest is as adequate a measure of reading comprehension as other available tests, (h) the MPC is clearly more a measure of perceptual ability than of verbal ability, and (i) the KABC is no more fair a measure to use with LD children than are intelligence tests with a heavy language component.

Limited data are available regarding the clinical utility of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) Family Pictures (FP) subtest, yet it has received much criticism in the literature. Specific problems of the subtest that have been cited include the lack of clarity regarding the neuropsychological functions that significantly influence successful performance. The current study assesses the extent to which performance on the FP I and FP II subtests can be predicted by memory, visual ability, verbal ability, and executive functioning, in 454 outpatients from a neuropsychology clinic. Data from the Family Pictures I (FPI) and Family Pictures II (FPII) subtests, in addition to scores obtained from commonly used measures of memory, verbal, visual, and executive functioning were analyzed via hierarchical multiple regression analyses, co-varying for age and education. The current study also explores the extent to which the FP's individual components of character, location, and action load on factors of general verbal and visual-spatial abilities in a sample of 193 neuropsychology clinic outpatients. Results were obtained via three separate exploratory factor analyses (one for each FP component examined). Results of the multiple regression analyses indicated that FP I and FP II performance is best predicted by a mixed visual/verbal memory factor. Furthermore, the factor analyses revealed that all three components of location, action, and character load on a mixed general visual ability and general memory factor. These findings expand upon previous research by lending greater understanding of the skills needed for successful FP performance in neuropsychologically impaired populations.

This study, which formed part of a larger research project, investigated the effect of gender on test performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Third Edition (WAIS-III). The WAIS-III was administered to a sample of 68 participants in the Eastern Cape following the initiative of the Human Sciences Research Council to standardise the WAIS-III for a South African population. The participants, aged 19 to 30, were stratified according to language of origin (African or English First Language), educational attainment (matriculant or graduate), quality of education (Department of Education and Training or private/"Model C" school) and gender. Analyses of variance and two sample t tests were used to compare male and female test performance. For the total sample, no significant difference between males and females on Verbal, Performance and Full Scale IQ were found. On the factor indices, females scored marginally higher than males on Processing Speed at a level which was approaching significance (p = 0.105), but no significant differences were found. On subtest performance, females significantly outperformed males on Digit Symbol (p = 0.020). Differences which were approaching significance were found on Information (p = 0.133) in favour of males, and on Matrix Reasoning (p = 0.092) in favour of females. For subgroups of the total sample, the most significant differences in test performance were found for the African First Language private/"Model C" school cohort in favour of females. Thus the overriding implication that emerged from this research was that on this relatively highly educated sample, no significant gender differences in cognitive ability were apparent.

The purpose of this study was to do a comparative analysis of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), a test of intelligence which is frequently used with Mexican American students, and its Spanish translation the Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler Para Ninos-Revisada (EIWN-R). The WISC-R was administered in English to 109 bilingual English proficient Mexican American students, and the EIWN-R was administered in Spanish to 109 other than English proficient or monolingual Spanish speakers. Language proficiency was determined according to students scores on the Language Assessment Scales (LAS). The groups were matched by sex, school and grade. Students tested were students who were referred for testing because of academic difficulties or students placed in Special Education classes who are required to be re-evaluated every three years. Using Confirmatory factor analysis, the first objective was to determine if the factor structures underlying the EIWN-R and the WISC-R are equivalent to the factor structure of the WISC-R normative population. The correlation matrices of both groups were compared to the correlation matrix of the normative population. Factor structures of the WISC-R and the normative population were found to be statistically different, while the factor structures of the EIWN-R and the normative group were not found to be different. The second objective was to determine if the subtest means of the WISC-R and EIWN-R were significantly different. To determine this, the subtest means of both groups were subjected to MANOVA. Significant differences between subtest means were found on four of the subtests. A MANOVA was also utilized for the third objective which set out to determine if significant differences in performance are present in the EIWN-R between those students who are placed in Special Education programs and those students who are not placed. So as not to confound the results, the EMR population was removed from the sample. Significant differences in the placed and the non-placed groups were found on eight of the eleven subtests. Implications of research findings are discussed as well as future trends regarding the assessment of language minority students.

More than ten years after its publication, there has been no prior attempt to investigate the validity of the WISC-IV (Wechsler, 2003) for use in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). This thesis is the first to assess the fit of a cross-cultural interpretive model of WISC-IV (US) measured intelligence in T&T children. The primary objectives were to: ascertain the psychometric properties of the WISC-IV (US); determine how the WISC-IV (US) subtests are associated with specified antecedent environmental variables; examine the relationship between WISC-IV(US) global ability and academic achievement; assess the fit of alternative interpretive models; and determine the predictive validity of adjusted IQ scores. Examination of the correlation matrix corroborated five alternative measurement models, with evidence of best fit for a direct hierarchical framework (Watkins et al., 2006). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated significant positive relationships between parental education and verbal comprehension, and between school performance and verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning and global ability. Additionally, environmental deprivation was found to be negatively correlated with performance on all WISC-IV (US) composites. Children with higher global intelligence scores performed better than their low-scoring counterparts on two national tests of academic achievement. School performance was also shown to predict academic achievement in the sample. The results of the structural equation modelling analyses provided support for three distinct measurement models featuring the Wechsler indirect hierarchical model, the Watkins et al. direct hierarchical model, and an author-defined cross cultural direct hierarchical model. The antecedent variables of parental education, school performance and environmental deprivation and the outcome variable or academic achievement added significantly to the model. Adjusted factors scores that were derived from each path model accounted for a significant portion of variance in national test performance. If replicated, the current findings offer potentially useful alternative frameworks for interpreting test performance in T&T children.