Question

Explain the similarities and differences of the WAIS-IV and the WISC-IV. Identify their indices and means and standard deviations and differences in norming. What are some of the many uses of these types of tests and limits should be used for interpreting their results?

Answer 1

Similarities and differences between WAIS IV and the WISC IV:

Both WAIS IV and WISC IV are psychometric tests to measure intellectual ability. The WAIS IV is however conducted on adults and the WISC IV is for children. Studies have also shown that in case of people with intellectual disabilities, the WAIS IV produces slightly higher scores than WISC IV indicating that psychologists should be cautious while interpreting these scores.

WAIS IV:

WAIS IV is the current version of this test. It has 10 sub tests. The indices are Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perpetual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI). They are scored on two broad levels, that is, Full Scale IQ (VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI) and General Ability Index (six subtests that VCI and PRI comprise). This test was standardized on 2,200 people belonging to an age range of 16 to 90 year olds. This test could be used to identify psychiatric illnesses or brain injury, level of cognitive functioning,etc.

WISC IV

This test measures a child's intellectual ability ranging from age groups 6 to 16 years old. The norms of this test are scales scores by age, index scores and full scale IQ. The scoring and interpretation could be done using FSIQ, Index Scores and Sub tests scaled scores. The primary indices are Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Visual Spatial Index (VSI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Working Memory Index (WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI). This test is also linked with the measurement of achievement, adaptive behaviour, executive function and emotion. This edition was updated and standardized in India in 2012. The Japanese version were developed in Japan. The test is used to diagnose ADHD and learning disabilities. This test, however can be made less biased against minorities and females.