WAIS FSIQ and GAI Interpretation 3

Question 1

An examinee with ADHD earns an FSIQ of 92 and a GAI of 106. What is the most clinically sound interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The GAI better represents core intellectual ability because WMI and PSI are disproportionately affected by ADHD

Answer

ADHD often selectively impairs working memory and processing speed, so the GAI may better represent underlying cognitive potential in these cases.

Question 2

On the WAIS-IV normative tables, FSIQ scores between 90 and 109 are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Average

Answer

The Average classification spans FSIQ scores of 90–109 in the WAIS-IV classification system.

Question 3

What is the primary reason the FSIQ may be an underestimate of cognitive ability for an individual with a significant motor speed impairment?

Accepted Answer

Processing Speed subtests heavily penalize individuals with motor difficulties, lowering PSI and subsequently FSIQ

Answer

PSI subtests (Coding, Symbol Search) require rapid fine-motor output, so motor impairments artificially suppress PSI and pull down the FSIQ.

Question 4

The confidence interval reported around an FSIQ score is based on which psychometric property of the test?

Accepted Answer

The standard error of measurement (SEM)

Answer

Confidence intervals are constructed using the SEM, which quantifies the amount of error inherent in any single obtained score.

Question 5

Which index score contributes most heavily to the FSIQ variance in the WAIS-IV factor structure?

Accepted Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index

Answer

The VCI has the highest g-loading among the four WAIS-IV indexes and therefore contributes most to FSIQ variance.

(WAIS) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Practice Test