WAIS Applications 3

Question 1

A clinician wants to estimate premorbid intellectual functioning in a patient with traumatic brain injury. Which WAIS-IV subtest score is MOST commonly used as an estimate of pre-injury ability?

Accepted Answer

Vocabulary

Answer

Vocabulary is considered a hold test relatively resistant to brain injury, making it a common estimate of premorbid intellectual functioning.

Question 2

In a WAIS-IV profile, which pattern of scores is MOST consistent with an acquired right hemisphere lesion?

Accepted Answer

Depressed PRI with relatively intact VCI

Answer

Right hemisphere lesions typically impair visuospatial and perceptual abilities (PRI) while sparing verbal abilities (VCI).

Question 3

When interpreting WAIS-IV results for treatment planning in psychotherapy, which index is MOST relevant to a client's ability to follow complex verbal instructions from a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index

Answer

The Verbal Comprehension Index reflects the ability to understand and use verbal information, directly relevant to following complex verbal instructions.

Question 4

A researcher uses WAIS-IV scores to study cognitive aging across a lifespan sample. Which index typically shows the steepest decline with normal aging?

Accepted Answer

Processing Speed Index

Answer

Processing Speed shows the most pronounced decline with normal aging, consistent with the literature on cognitive slowing.

Question 5

An examiner administers the WAIS-IV and obtains a valid FSIQ. When writing the psychological report, which statement BEST reflects appropriate score interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The client obtained an FSIQ of 112, which falls in the High Average range (90th percentile) with a 95% confidence interval of 108–116

Answer

Best practice requires reporting the obtained score, classification range, percentile, and confidence interval to convey measurement precision.

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test

WAIS Applications 3