WAIS - Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Working Memory Index (WMI) Questions and Answers

Question 1

An examiner is administering the WAIS-IV to a client who reports significant test anxiety. On which of the following indices is the client's performance MOST likely to be negatively impacted by their anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory Index (WMI)

Answer

The Working Memory Index (WMI) is highly susceptible to factors like anxiety and poor concentration. The subtests, such as Digit Span and Arithmetic, require sustained attention and mental control, which are often disrupted by anxiety.

Question 2

Which of the following cognitive abilities is a primary function measured by the Working Memory Index (WMI)?

Accepted Answer

Holding and mentally manipulating information

Answer

The WMI is specifically designed to assess an individual's ability to take in information, hold it in immediate awareness, and then perform some mental operation on it. This core function is often described as holding and manipulating information.

Question 3

A 35-year-old client is referred for an evaluation due to lifelong difficulties with organization, sustaining focus during meetings, and completing multi-step projects at work. On the WAIS-IV, you might expect to see a significantly lower score on the Working Memory Index (WMI) compared to their Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI). This pattern is often associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Answer

Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit a cognitive profile on the WAIS-IV characterized by significant weaknesses in working memory and processing speed, while their verbal comprehension abilities may be average or even above average. The described difficulties are hallmark symptoms of ADHD.

Question 4

The core subtests that comprise the Working Memory Index (WMI) on the WAIS-IV are:

Accepted Answer

Digit Span and Arithmetic

Answer

On the WAIS-IV, the two core subtests used to calculate the Working Memory Index are Digit Span and Arithmetic. Letter-Number Sequencing is a supplemental subtest for this index.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a primary cognitive domain assessed by the Working Memory Index (WMI)?

Accepted Answer

Visual-spatial reasoning

Answer

While some working memory tasks can have a visual component, visual-spatial reasoning as a primary domain is measured by the Visual Spatial Index (on the WAIS-V) or the former Perceptual Reasoning Index (on the WAIS-IV). The WMI primarily focuses on auditory attention, concentration, and mental manipulation.

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

WAIS - Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Working Memory Index (WMI) Questions and Answers