The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV; Wechsler, 2008) is an individually-administered, norm-referenced test designed to measure cognitive ability in individuals from age 16 years to 90 years, 11 months. It is the most frequently used measure of intelligence for adults and older adolescents. The WAIS-IV yields Full Scale IQ, Index Scores, and subtest-level scaled scores. The four Index Scores are Verbal Comprehension (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning (PRI), Working Memory (WMI), and Processing Speed (PSI). The WAIS-IV includes 10 core subtests and five supplemental subtests. The WAIS-IV may be administered in paper-and-pencil or web-based (Q-interactive) format; it can be scored manually or with software. NOTE: Field-based data collection for development of the WAIS-5 is ongoing through 2020.
Summary
Age: 16 years 0 months to 90 years 11 months
Time to Administer: 60-90 minutes
Method of Administration: Individually administered, norm-referenced measure of intelligence
Yields standard scores (M = 100, SD = 15), scaled scores (M = 10, SD = 3)
Subscales: Overall Composite Score: Full Scale IQ
Index Scores: Verbal Comprehension
Subtest Scores: Similarities Vocabulary, Information, Comprehension,Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, Visual Puzzles, Figure Weights, Picture Completion, Digit Span, Arithmetic, Letter- Number Sequencing, Symbol Search, Coding, Cancellation
Autism Related Research
Holdnack, Goldstein, & Drozdick (2011)
Age Range: 16-34 years
Sample Size: 16
Topics Addressed:
Identify patterns of functioning in ASD and consideration of test utility in this population
Outcome:Holdnack, Goldstein, & Drozdick (2011)
Variability in overall cognitive functioning was found depending on severity of autism, particularly with regard to perceptual reasoning and working memory. Processing speed tasks also tended to be lower than non-ASD control groups. Cognitive profiles are not diagnostic of specific conditions (e.g., ASD) but may help better understand cognitive functioning of individuals.