WAIS Core Structure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which two subtests form the core of the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index?
- Coding and Symbol Search (Correct answer)
- Letter-Number Sequencing and Arithmetic
- Block Design and Matrix Reasoning
- Vocabulary and Information
Correct answer: Coding and Symbol Search
Coding and Symbol Search are the two core subtests that contribute to the Processing Speed Index (PSI).
Question 2: What term describes a subset of WAIS subtests administered when time is limited but a reliable estimate of general ability is still needed?
- Core battery
- Abbreviated battery (Correct answer)
- Supplemental battery
- Extended battery
Correct answer: Abbreviated battery
An abbreviated battery uses a reduced set of subtests to estimate FSIQ when full administration is not feasible.
Question 3: The WAIS-IV replaced which earlier version of the instrument?
- WAIS-R
- WAIS-II
- WAIS-III (Correct answer)
- WPPSI-IV
Correct answer: WAIS-III
The WAIS-IV (2008) replaced the WAIS-III (1997), updating norms, floor/ceiling, and factor structure.
Question 4: Which structural change distinguished WAIS-IV from WAIS-III regarding index scores?
- WAIS-IV added the Fluid Reasoning Index
- WAIS-IV eliminated the Perceptual Organization Index and replaced it with the Perceptual Reasoning Index (Correct answer)
- WAIS-IV combined verbal and performance IQ into a single index
- WAIS-IV added a Social Cognition Index
Correct answer: WAIS-IV eliminated the Perceptual Organization Index and replaced it with the Perceptual Reasoning Index
WAIS-IV replaced the Perceptual Organization Index (POI) of WAIS-III with the Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), reflecting updated factor analytic findings.
Question 5: In the WAIS-IV factor structure, which index score has the highest g-loading and contributes most to FSIQ?
- Processing Speed Index
- Working Memory Index
- Perceptual Reasoning Index
- Verbal Comprehension Index (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Verbal Comprehension Index
The Verbal Comprehension Index typically shows the highest g-loading in WAIS-IV factor analyses, reflecting strong association with general intelligence.
Question 6: What is the standard deviation of WAIS index scores and the Full Scale IQ?
- 3
- 10
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 20
Correct answer: 15
WAIS index scores and FSIQ use a standard deviation of 15 around a mean of 100, consistent with most modern IQ tests.
Question 7: Which WAIS-IV subtest requires an examinee to arrange red-and-white blocks to match a printed design?
- Matrix Reasoning
- Visual Puzzles
- Block Design (Correct answer)
- Figure Weights
Correct answer: Block Design
Block Design requires the examinee to use two-color blocks to reconstruct abstract geometric designs, measuring visuoconstructive ability.
WAIS Core Structure 3
Which two subtests form the core of the WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index?