Wechsler Test Wechsler Processing Speed Index 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which two core subtests make up the Processing Speed Index (PSI) on the WAIS-IV?
- Symbol Search and Coding (Correct answer)
- Block Design and Matrix Reasoning
- Digit Span and Arithmetic
- Vocabulary and Similarities
Correct answer: Symbol Search and Coding
The WAIS-IV PSI is composed of the Symbol Search and Coding subtests.
Question 2: What cognitive ability does the Processing Speed Index primarily measure?
- Long-term memory storage
- Speed of mental and graphomotor processing of simple visual information (Correct answer)
- Abstract verbal reasoning
- Spatial visualization of 3D objects
Correct answer: Speed of mental and graphomotor processing of simple visual information
PSI reflects how quickly one processes simple visual information and produces a motor response.
Question 3: On the Coding subtest, what is the examinee asked to do?
- Recall a list of digits backward
- Copy symbols paired with numbers using a key, as fast as possible (Correct answer)
- Arrange blocks to match a design
- Define a series of words
Correct answer: Copy symbols paired with numbers using a key, as fast as possible
Coding requires copying symbols matched to numbers using a reference key within a time limit.
Question 4: What does the Symbol Search subtest require the examinee to do?
- Indicate whether target symbols appear in a search group (Correct answer)
- Repeat sentences verbatim
- Solve arithmetic word problems
- Identify missing parts of pictures
Correct answer: Indicate whether target symbols appear in a search group
In Symbol Search the examinee scans a search group to decide if a target symbol is present.
Question 5: A very low PSI score with average scores on other indexes most often suggests difficulty with which area?
- Crystallized knowledge
- Speed and efficiency of visual-motor performance (Correct answer)
- Verbal comprehension
- Fluid reasoning
Correct answer: Speed and efficiency of visual-motor performance
An isolated low PSI typically points to slowed visual-motor processing efficiency rather than reasoning deficits.
Question 6: Which condition is commonly associated with reduced Processing Speed Index scores?
- Color blindness
- ADHD and certain learning disabilities (Correct answer)
- Perfect pitch
- Hyperlexia only
Correct answer: ADHD and certain learning disabilities
ADHD and some learning disabilities are frequently linked to lowered processing speed.
Question 7: The Processing Speed Index contributes to which broader composite score?
- The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) (Correct answer)
- Only the Verbal Comprehension Index
- The General Ability Index exclusively
- None; it is reported alone
Correct answer: The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ)
PSI is one of the four indexes that combine into the Full Scale IQ.
Wechsler Test Wechsler Processing Speed Index 2
Which two core subtests make up the Processing Speed Index (PSI) on the WAIS-IV?