WAIS Core Structure 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which WAIS-IV index score is derived from the Block Design and Visual Puzzles subtests?
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Perceptual Reasoning Index (Correct answer)
- Working Memory Index
- Processing Speed Index
Correct answer: Perceptual Reasoning Index
The Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) includes Block Design and Visual Puzzles as core subtests.
Question 2: How many core subtests are included in the standard WAIS-IV administration?
- 8
- 10 (Correct answer)
- 12
- 15
Correct answer: 10
The WAIS-IV standard administration includes 10 core subtests used to derive the four index scores and FSIQ.
Question 3: What does the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) on the WAIS represent?
- Performance on verbal tasks only
- An overall composite of cognitive ability across multiple domains (Correct answer)
- Speed of information processing
- Long-term memory capacity
Correct answer: An overall composite of cognitive ability across multiple domains
The FSIQ is a global composite score reflecting performance across verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
Question 4: Which subtest is classified as supplemental (not core) in the WAIS-IV?
- Digit Span
- Similarities
- Comprehension (Correct answer)
- Coding
Correct answer: Comprehension
Comprehension is a supplemental subtest in the WAIS-IV and is not used to calculate the Verbal Comprehension Index unless a substitute is needed.
Question 5: In WAIS scoring, what is a 'scaled score' and what is its normative mean?
- A raw percent correct score with mean 100
- A subtest-level standard score with mean 10 and SD 3 (Correct answer)
- An age-adjusted composite score with mean 50
- A T-score with mean 50 and SD 10
Correct answer: A subtest-level standard score with mean 10 and SD 3
Scaled scores are subtest-level standard scores with a mean of 10 and standard deviation of 3, derived from age-matched normative samples.
Question 6: Which WAIS-IV index score primarily measures the ability to hold and manipulate information in short-term memory?
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Perceptual Reasoning Index
- Working Memory Index (Correct answer)
- Processing Speed Index
Correct answer: Working Memory Index
The Working Memory Index (WMI) assesses attention, concentration, and the ability to hold and manipulate information in immediate awareness.
Question 7: What is the age range covered by the WAIS-IV normative sample?
- 6 to 16 years
- 16 to 90 years (Correct answer)
- 18 to 75 years
- 21 to 85 years
Correct answer: 16 to 90 years
The WAIS-IV normative sample spans ages 16 to 90 years 11 months, making it appropriate for adults across the lifespan.
WAIS Core Structure 2
Which WAIS-IV index score is derived from the Block Design and Visual Puzzles subtests?