Wechsler Psychometric Properties Questions and Answers

Question 1

The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of the WAIS-IV has an average internal consistency reliability coefficient of .98. What does this high coefficient primarily indicate?

Accepted Answer

The test items consistently measure the same underlying construct.

Answer

The test accurately predicts future academic performance.

Answer

The test scores are stable over a six-month period.

Answer

The test is free from cultural bias across all populations.

Question 2

A school psychologist finds that a student's WISC-V FSIQ score is highly correlated with their scores on a nationally standardized achievement test administered during the same week. This finding provides strong evidence for the WISC-V's:

Accepted Answer

Concurrent validity

Answer

Test-retest reliability

Answer

Content validity

Answer

Internal consistency

Question 3

An examiner calculates a 95% confidence interval of [104, 116] for an examinee's Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) score of 110. The width of this interval is directly determined by the:

Accepted Answer

Standard error of measurement (SEM) for the VCI.

Answer

Examinee's motivation level during testing.

Answer

Size and representativeness of the normative sample.

Answer

Flynn effect observed in the population.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most critical feature of the standardization sample used to develop the norms for a Wechsler intelligence scale?

Accepted Answer

It must be representative of the general population on key demographic variables.

Answer

It must be limited to individuals from a specific geographic region to control for cultural differences.

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It must include a minimum of 10,000 participants to ensure statistical power.

Answer

It must be composed entirely of individuals with diagnosed learning disabilities.

Question 5

Test developers regularly update and re-standardize the Wechsler scales. A primary psychometric reason for this is to counteract the 'Flynn effect,' which refers to the observed phenomenon of:

Accepted Answer

The rising scores of the population on intelligence tests over generations.

Answer

A decrease in test-retest reliability over time.

Answer

The increasing correlation between verbal and non-verbal subtests.

Answer

A reduction in the standard deviation of scores in the normative sample.

Question 6

When interpreting a significant discrepancy between two index scores (e.g., VCI and PSI), it is crucial for a clinician to consider the base rate of that difference in the normative sample. Why is consulting base rate information essential for sound interpretation?

Accepted Answer

It indicates how frequently that specific score difference occurred in the general population.

Answer

It proves that the observed score difference is the direct cause of the referral concern.

Answer

It determines the 95% confidence interval around each index score.

Answer

It confirms the examiner administered the subtests in the correct order.