WAIS - Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Processing Speed Index (PSI) Questions and Answers

Question 1

An examinee completes the WAIS-IV.
Their performance on the Processing Speed Index (PSI) is significantly lower than their scores on the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI).
During the administration of the Coding subtest, the examiner notes the individual has considerable difficulty with graphomotor control, and their pencil grip appears awkward and inefficient.
Which statement is the most accurate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The observed fine-motor difficulties may have suppressed the PSI score, suggesting it may not be a pure measure of cognitive speed for this individual.

Answer

The low PSI score is likely a valid measure of slow cognitive processing, independent of motor skills.

Answer

The examinee likely has a co-occurring learning disability in reading, which is often linked to low PSI scores.

Answer

The discrepancy between the PSI and other indices suggests a lack of effort or motivation on the timed tasks.

Question 2

Which combination of core subtests on the WAIS-IV is used to calculate the Processing Speed Index (PSI)?

Accepted Answer

Coding and Symbol Search

Answer

Digit Span and Arithmetic

Answer

Block Design and Matrix Reasoning

Answer

Vocabulary and Similarities

Question 3

The Processing Speed Index (PSI) is considered a measure of an individual's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Quickly and accurately scan, discriminate, and sequence simple visual information.

Answer

Manipulate and hold auditory information in immediate awareness.

Answer

Form abstract verbal concepts and reason with learned knowledge.

Answer

Analyze and synthesize abstract visual stimuli without a time constraint.

Question 4

A psychologist is evaluating a 70-year-old client who has recently recovered from a minor stroke. The client's verbal abilities seem intact, but they report 'thinking slower' than before. On the WAIS-IV, which of the following patterns would be most consistent with this presentation?

Accepted Answer

A PSI score that is significantly lower than their Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) score.

Answer

A significantly lower Working Memory Index (WMI) compared to all other indices.

Answer

A relatively flat profile, with all index scores falling within the average range.

Answer

A significantly lower Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) compared to the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI).

Question 5

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a primary cognitive skill measured by the Symbol Search subtest of the PSI?

Accepted Answer

Verbal abstract reasoning

Answer

Visual scanning and discrimination

Answer

Decision-making speed

Answer

Sustained attention and concentration

Question 6

When interpreting the WAIS-IV results, the General Ability Index (GAI) is sometimes used instead of the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ). The GAI is calculated to provide an estimate of general intelligence that is less influenced by which two indices?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory and Processing Speed

Answer

Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning

Answer

Perceptual Reasoning and Working Memory

Answer

Verbal Comprehension and Processing Speed