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

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?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Proficiency Index

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Symbol Search

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Intellectual disability diagnosis requires both a significantly below-average IQ (approximately 70 or below) and concurrent deficits in adaptive behavior, not IQ alone.

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

WAIS Applications 2