WAIS Applications 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory Index

Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index

Answer

Processing Speed Index

Answer

Perceptual Reasoning Index

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?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Proficiency Index

Answer

Full Scale IQ

Answer

General Ability Index

Answer

Processing Speed Index

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:

Accepted Answer

The discrepancy is statistically significant and occurs in fewer than 15% of the normative sample

Answer

The VCI is higher than the PRI regardless of magnitude

Answer

The discrepancy exceeds 10 points

Answer

The client reports subjective cognitive complaints

Question 4

Which WAIS-IV subtest would be MOST useful for detecting slowed cognitive processing in an older adult suspected of early dementia?

Accepted Answer

Symbol Search

Answer

Vocabulary

Answer

Similarities

Answer

Information

Question 5

In forensic evaluations, WAIS-IV scores are sometimes used to determine intellectual disability. According to best practices, intellectual disability is indicated when:

Accepted Answer

FSIQ is approximately 70 or below AND significant adaptive behavior deficits are present

Answer

FSIQ is below 75 with no other criteria needed

Answer

FSIQ is below 80 based solely on the test score

Answer

Any index score falls below 70

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?

Accepted Answer

A significant and unusual within-person discrepancy between ability and achievement

Answer

A low FSIQ score below 85

Answer

Any index score below the 25th percentile

Answer

A Processing Speed Index lower than the Verbal Comprehension Index

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?

Accepted Answer

Supplement with or replace verbal subtests using nonverbal measures from a validated battery

Answer

Translate all verbal subtests on the spot during testing

Answer

Skip all verbal subtests entirely and report only PRI

Answer

Use the standard WAIS-IV norms without modification