WAIS Psychometric Properties and Norms 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The WAIS-IV standardization sample was stratified by which demographic variables?
- Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education level (Correct answer)
- Age and IQ score only
- Geographic region and income only
- Sex and native language only
Correct answer: Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education level
The WAIS-IV normative sample was stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education level to mirror U.S. Census proportions.
Question 2: What is the test-retest reliability coefficient range typically reported for WAIS-IV composite scores?
- .90 to .96 (Correct answer)
- .50 to .65
- .70 to .80
- .30 to .50
Correct answer: .90 to .96
WAIS-IV composite scores show high test-retest reliability, with coefficients generally ranging from .90 to .96.
Question 3: Which WAIS-IV index shows the lowest average internal consistency reliability among the four index scores?
- Processing Speed Index (Correct answer)
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Perceptual Reasoning Index
- Working Memory Index
Correct answer: Processing Speed Index
The Processing Speed Index typically shows somewhat lower internal consistency than other indexes because its subtests are timed performance tasks.
Question 4: A score of 115 on the WAIS-IV FSIQ falls at approximately which percentile rank?
- 84th percentile (Correct answer)
- 50th percentile
- 97th percentile
- 16th percentile
Correct answer: 84th percentile
An FSIQ of 115 is one standard deviation above the mean, corresponding to the 84th percentile.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of age-corrected scaled scores on the WAIS-IV?
- To compare an individual's performance to same-age peers (Correct answer)
- To convert raw scores to standard scores across all ages combined
- To measure gains from practice over multiple administrations
- To adjust for educational background differences
Correct answer: To compare an individual's performance to same-age peers
Age-corrected scaled scores allow comparison of an individual's subtest performance relative to peers in the same age group.
Question 6: Confirmatory factor analysis of the WAIS-IV best supports which factor structure?
- A four-factor model plus a higher-order g factor (Correct answer)
- A single general intelligence factor only
- A two-factor model (verbal vs. nonverbal)
- A six-factor model with no higher-order factor
Correct answer: A four-factor model plus a higher-order g factor
CFA studies support a hierarchical model with four first-order factors (VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI) and a higher-order g factor.
Question 7: Which statistical concept describes the degree to which WAIS-IV subtests measure the same underlying construct as the composite score?
- Convergent validity (Correct answer)
- Discriminant validity
- Predictive validity
- Face validity
Correct answer: Convergent validity
Convergent validity refers to the degree to which measures expected to be related (e.g., subtests and their composite) correlate strongly.
WAIS Psychometric Properties and Norms 2
The WAIS-IV standardization sample was stratified by which demographic variables?