WAIS Score Comparisons and Discrepancy Analysis 1

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of discrepancy analysis in WAIS-IV interpretation?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether differences between index scores are statistically significant and clinically meaningful

Answer

To calculate the examinees overall FSIQ score from raw subtest scores

Answer

To compare the examinees scores to those of a clinical reference group only

Answer

To identify which subtests should be excluded from composite score calculation

Question 2

In WAIS-IV tables, what two criteria are used together to determine whether a pairwise index score discrepancy is clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance (critical value) and base rate (frequency in the standardization sample)

Answer

Raw score difference and age-corrected standard score difference

Answer

Effect size (Cohen's d) and confidence interval overlap

Answer

Standard error of measurement and practice effect estimate

Question 3

A clinician notes that an examinee's VCI is 108 and WMI is 88. The critical value at p < .05 is 11 points. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The 20-point discrepancy is statistically significant, but base rate data are needed to judge clinical meaningfulness

Answer

The discrepancy is not significant because neither score falls in the impaired range

Answer

The discrepancy is clinically significant because both scores differ by more than one standard deviation

Answer

No interpretation is possible without the Processing Speed Index score

Question 4

What does the 'base rate' refer to in WAIS-IV discrepancy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of individuals in the standardization sample who showed a discrepancy of a given size or larger

Answer

The average score difference expected between any two index scores in the general population

Answer

The minimum score difference required for a finding to reach statistical significance

Answer

The reliability coefficient of the index score being compared

Question 5

Which WAIS-IV index score comparison is most sensitive to detecting the effects of acquired brain injury affecting frontal-executive functions alongside processing speed?

Accepted Answer

Processing Speed Index (PSI) compared to Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)

Answer

Working Memory Index (WMI) compared to Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)

Answer

Full Scale IQ compared to General Ability Index (GAI)

Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) compared to Working Memory Index (WMI)

Question 6

When comparing an examinee's individual subtest scaled scores to their own mean scaled score, this approach is called:

Accepted Answer

Ipsative or person-centered comparison

Answer

Normative or criterion-referenced comparison

Answer

Age-corrected z-score comparison

Answer

Interrater reliability analysis

Question 7

A significant VCI > PRI discrepancy in a right-handed adult is most consistent with which neuropsychological hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Relative weakness in right-hemisphere visuospatial processing compared to left-hemisphere verbal abilities

Answer

Generalized intellectual decline affecting all cognitive domains equally

Answer

Preferential impairment of phonological processing and reading decoding

Answer

Elevated crystallized intelligence relative to working memory capacity