WPPSI - Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Administration and Scoring Rules Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An examiner is administering the Vocabulary subtest to a 5-year-old child who has a designated start point of Item 5. The child scores 1 point on Item 5 and 0 points on Item 6. According to WPPSI-IV standard procedure, what should the examiner do next?
- Continue forward with Item 7.
- Discontinue the subtest because a score of 0 was obtained.
- Administer Item 4 and proceed in reverse order until a basal is established. (Correct answer)
- Re-administer Item 6 with additional prompting.
Correct answer: Administer Item 4 and proceed in reverse order until a basal is established.
The reverse rule is applied when a child does not obtain perfect scores on the first two items administered at their age-based start point. The examiner must administer preceding items in reverse order until the child obtains two consecutive perfect scores (a score of 2 for this subtest), which establishes the basal level.
Question 2: During the Similarities subtest, the examiner asks a child, 'How are a shirt and a shoe alike?' The child responds, 'They're on you.' This response is ambiguous. What is the most appropriate action for the examiner?
- Score the response as 0 because it is not a primary classification.
- Provide a clarifying example, such as 'They are both things you wear.'
- Score the response as 1 and move to the next item.
- Query the response with a neutral prompt, such as 'What do you mean?' or 'Tell me more.' (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Query the response with a neutral prompt, such as 'What do you mean?' or 'Tell me more.'
Standard administration rules require the examiner to query responses that are vague, ambiguous, or incomplete to clarify the child's meaning. A neutral prompt, indicated by (Q) in the manual, should be used to elicit more information without leading the child to a specific answer.
Question 3: What is the standard discontinue rule for the Block Design subtest in the WPPSI-IV?
- After the child fails to earn any points on two consecutive items. (Correct answer)
- After the time limit has expired on three consecutive items.
- After the child expresses frustration or refuses to continue.
- After the child earns a total of four scores of 0.
Correct answer: After the child fails to earn any points on two consecutive items.
The standard discontinue, or ceiling, rule for the Block Design subtest is to stop administration after the child receives scores of 0 on two consecutive items. This rule ensures testing efficiency and prevents unnecessary frustration for the child.
Question 4: Which of the following scenarios describes a 'spoiled' response that should be scored as 0?
- A child initially gives an incorrect answer but then self-corrects to a correct answer before the next item is presented.
- A child provides a correct, 2-point response and, after a query for clarification, gives a different but also correct 2-point response.
- A child gives a correct, 1-point response, but when the examiner queries it, the child changes the answer to an incorrect one. (Correct answer)
- A child hesitates for a long time before giving a correct response on an untimed verbal subtest.
Correct answer: A child gives a correct, 1-point response, but when the examiner queries it, the child changes the answer to an incorrect one.
A response is considered 'spoiled' and is scored 0 if the child's initial response was correct, but upon being queried, they elaborate or change it to an incorrect answer. The final response is the one that is scored.
Question 5: For timed performance subtests such as Block Design or Object Assembly, when must the examiner start the stopwatch to ensure standardized administration?
- When the child first touches the testing materials.
- Immediately after saying the last word of the instructions for the item. (Correct answer)
- As soon as the examiner turns the stimulus book page to the item.
- After the child verbally indicates they are ready to begin.
Correct answer: Immediately after saying the last word of the instructions for the item.
According to the WPPSI-IV administration manual, timing for performance subtests must begin immediately after the examiner finishes reading the instructions for that specific item. This ensures that every child receives the same amount of time, which is critical for standardized scoring.
Question 6: An examiner is preparing to administer the WPPSI-IV to a 4-year-old. The testing room is well-lit and quiet, but the only available table is a low, circular activity table. What is the most important consideration regarding this setup?
- The circular shape is ideal for building rapport with a young child.
- The setup is acceptable as long as the child can reach the materials.
- The examiner should proceed but note the non-standard table in the report.
- The table and chairs should allow both the child and examiner to sit comfortably with their feet on the floor and elbows at a 90-degree angle to the tabletop. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The table and chairs should allow both the child and examiner to sit comfortably with their feet on the floor and elbows at a 90-degree angle to the tabletop.
The WPPSI-IV administration manual specifies that the testing environment, including the table and chairs, must be appropriate for the child's size. The ideal setup allows both the child and examiner to sit comfortably, typically with feet on the floor and elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, to prevent fatigue and ensure proper interaction with test materials. A table that is too low or high can negatively impact performance, especially on timed or motor tasks.
WPPSI - Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Administration and Scoring Rules Questions and Answers
An examiner is administering the Vocabulary subtest to a 5-year-old child who has a designated start point of Item 5.
The child scores 1 point on Item 5 and 0 points on Item 6.
According to WPPSI-IV standard procedure, what should the examiner do next?