WAIS Applications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A neuropsychologist administers the WAIS-IV to a 45-year-old patient following a stroke. Which index score would BEST capture deficits in holding and manipulating information mentally?
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Working Memory Index (Correct answer)
- Processing Speed Index
- Perceptual Reasoning Index
Correct answer: Working Memory Index
The Working Memory Index (WMI) measures the ability to hold information in short-term memory and manipulate it, which is often impaired after stroke.
Question 2: When using WAIS-IV scores for vocational assessment, which composite score is most directly relevant to evaluating a client's ability to learn new job procedures quickly?
- Full Scale IQ
- General Ability Index
- Processing Speed Index
- Cognitive Proficiency Index (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Cognitive Proficiency Index
The Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) combines Working Memory and Processing Speed, reflecting how efficiently the brain processes routine information relevant to learning new procedures.
Question 3: A clinician notices a 20-point discrepancy between a client's Verbal Comprehension Index and Perceptual Reasoning Index on the WAIS-IV. This finding is MOST clinically meaningful when:
- The discrepancy is statistically significant and occurs in fewer than 15% of the normative sample (Correct answer)
- The VCI is higher than the PRI regardless of magnitude
- The discrepancy exceeds 10 points
- The client reports subjective cognitive complaints
Correct answer: The discrepancy is statistically significant and occurs in fewer than 15% of the normative sample
A discrepancy is clinically meaningful when it is both statistically significant (reliable) and has low base rate occurrence in the normative population.
Question 4: Which WAIS-IV subtest would be MOST useful for detecting slowed cognitive processing in an older adult suspected of early dementia?
- Vocabulary
- Similarities
- Symbol Search (Correct answer)
- Information
Correct answer: Symbol Search
Symbol Search is a Processing Speed subtest sensitive to slowing of cognitive operations, which is an early marker of dementia.
Question 5: In forensic evaluations, WAIS-IV scores are sometimes used to determine intellectual disability. According to best practices, intellectual disability is indicated when:
- FSIQ is below 75 with no other criteria needed
- FSIQ is approximately 70 or below AND significant adaptive behavior deficits are present (Correct answer)
- FSIQ is below 80 based solely on the test score
- Any index score falls below 70
Correct answer: FSIQ is approximately 70 or below AND significant adaptive behavior deficits are present
Intellectual disability diagnosis requires both a significantly below-average IQ (approximately 70 or below) and concurrent deficits in adaptive behavior, not IQ alone.
Question 6: A school psychologist uses WAIS-IV results to support a learning disability evaluation for a college student. Which approach provides the strongest evidence for a specific learning disability?
- A low FSIQ score below 85
- A significant and unusual within-person discrepancy between ability and achievement (Correct answer)
- Any index score below the 25th percentile
- A Processing Speed Index lower than the Verbal Comprehension Index
Correct answer: A significant and unusual within-person discrepancy between ability and achievement
A specific learning disability is best supported by demonstrating an unusual intra-individual discrepancy between measured cognitive ability and academic achievement.
Question 7: When administering the WAIS-IV to an individual whose primary language is not English, which modification is considered MOST appropriate to maintain validity?
- Translate all verbal subtests on the spot during testing
- Supplement with or replace verbal subtests using nonverbal measures from a validated battery (Correct answer)
- Skip all verbal subtests entirely and report only PRI
- Use the standard WAIS-IV norms without modification
Correct answer: Supplement with or replace verbal subtests using nonverbal measures from a validated battery
For non-English speakers, supplementing with validated nonverbal measures reduces language bias and yields a more accurate estimate of cognitive ability.
WAIS Applications 2
A neuropsychologist administers the WAIS-IV to a 45-year-old patient following a stroke.
Which index score would BEST capture deficits in holding and manipulating information mentally?