WAIS Processing Speed Index (PSI) 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes what the Coding subtest measures within the PSI?

Accepted Answer

Psychomotor speed and visual-symbol association learning

Answer

Verbal fluency under time pressure

Answer

Spatial rotation ability

Answer

Auditory working memory

Question 2

When interpreting a low PSI in a child transitioning to adult norms, the clinician should FIRST consider:

Accepted Answer

Whether the subtest scores within the PSI are consistent with each other

Answer

Replacing the PSI with the Processing Speed Quotient

Answer

Disregarding the index because it is unreliable

Answer

Administering only verbal subtests

Question 3

A clinician suspects ADHD in an adult. Which PSI pattern would be MOST consistent with inattention rather than motor slowing?

Accepted Answer

Low Symbol Search but average Coding

Answer

Low Coding but average Symbol Search

Answer

Both subtests equally depressed

Answer

Both subtests above average

Question 4

The PSI composite is computed by summing scaled scores and converting to a standard score with mean 100 and SD of:

Accepted Answer

15

Answer

10

Answer

20

Answer

3

Question 5

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) most consistently impairs which WAIS index first and most severely?

Accepted Answer

Processing Speed Index

Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index

Answer

Perceptual Reasoning Index

Answer

Working Memory Index

Question 6

Which statistical concept explains why a very low PSI can lower the Full Scale IQ even when other indexes are average?

Accepted Answer

Composite averaging across indexes

Answer

Regression to the mean

Answer

Floor effects

Answer

Practice effects

Question 7

On the Coding subtest, what is the primary reason examinees are given a sample practice row before the timed portion?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the examinee understands the symbol-digit key before timing begins

Answer

To allow the examiner to score the practice items

Answer

To provide a baseline for regression analysis

Answer

To screen for color blindness