Wechsler Test Wechsler FSIQ and Index Score Interpretation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A child earns a FSIQ of 130 on the WISC-V. Which classification does this fall into?
- Average
- High Average
- Very High (Extremely High) (Correct answer)
- Superior but not gifted
Correct answer: Very High (Extremely High)
A FSIQ of 130 and above is classified as Very High (Extremely High) on the WISC-V.
Question 2: The Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) primarily measures which ability?
- Acquired verbal knowledge and reasoning (Correct answer)
- Visual-spatial construction
- Speed of simple visual scanning
- Short-term auditory memory span
Correct answer: Acquired verbal knowledge and reasoning
The VCI reflects crystallized verbal knowledge, concept formation, and verbal reasoning.
Question 3: Which index is MOST sensitive to attention, concentration, and freedom from distractibility?
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Working Memory Index (Correct answer)
- Visual Spatial Index
- Fluid Reasoning Index
Correct answer: Working Memory Index
The Working Memory Index taps attention, concentration, and mental manipulation of information.
Question 4: On the WAIS-IV, the General Ability Index (GAI) is composed of which two indexes?
- Working Memory and Processing Speed
- Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning (Correct answer)
- Verbal Comprehension and Working Memory
- Perceptual Reasoning and Processing Speed
Correct answer: Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning
The GAI is derived from the Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning indexes only.
Question 5: An examinee has a VCI of 122 and a Processing Speed Index of 84. What does this large discrepancy most likely indicate?
- Uniform cognitive ability across domains
- A significant relative weakness in processing speed (Correct answer)
- An invalid test administration
- Below-average verbal reasoning
Correct answer: A significant relative weakness in processing speed
A 38-point gap signals a meaningful relative weakness in processing speed despite strong verbal skills.
Question 6: What is the mean and standard deviation of Wechsler index and FSIQ scores?
- Mean 100, SD 15 (Correct answer)
- Mean 50, SD 10
- Mean 10, SD 3
- Mean 100, SD 16
Correct answer: Mean 100, SD 15
All Wechsler composite scores use a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.
Question 7: When index scores vary widely, why might the FSIQ be considered a less meaningful summary?
- Because the FSIQ is always invalid above 120
- Because scatter shows uneven abilities the single number obscures (Correct answer)
- Because the FSIQ ignores verbal subtests
- Because index scores are not part of the FSIQ
Correct answer: Because scatter shows uneven abilities the single number obscures
Large index scatter means the FSIQ averages dissimilar abilities, masking real strengths and weaknesses.
Wechsler Test Wechsler FSIQ and Index Score Interpretation 2
A child earns a FSIQ of 130 on the WISC-V.
Which classification does this fall into?