WPPSI - Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Working Memory Administration Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When administering the Picture Memory subtest of the WPPSI-IV, what is the standard exposure time for each stimulus page?
- 3 seconds
- 5 seconds (Correct answer)
- 10 seconds
- It varies depending on the child's age.
Correct answer: 5 seconds
According to the WPPSI-IV administration manual, the child is shown a stimulus page with one or more pictures for a standard duration of 5 seconds before being asked to identify the same pictures on a response page.
Question 2: A 4-year-old child taking the Zoo Locations subtest correctly places the first animal card but incorrectly places the second animal card on an item with two cards. How should this response be scored?
- 1 point, for the correctly placed card.
- 2 points, as partial credit is given.
- 0 points, as the entire item must be correct. (Correct answer)
- The item should be repeated for the child.
Correct answer: 0 points, as the entire item must be correct.
For the Zoo Locations subtest, the child must correctly place all the animal cards in their previously viewed locations to receive credit for the item. There is no partial credit for placing some cards correctly if others are incorrect.
Question 3: Which of the following is a key administrative difference between the two primary Working Memory subtests on the WPPSI-IV, Picture Memory and Zoo Locations?
- Picture Memory uses a dauber, while Zoo Locations uses puzzle pieces.
- Picture Memory is timed, while Zoo Locations is not.
- Picture Memory primarily assesses visual working memory, while Zoo Locations assesses visual-spatial working memory. (Correct answer)
- Zoo Locations has a verbal response requirement, while Picture Memory does not.
Correct answer: Picture Memory primarily assesses visual working memory, while Zoo Locations assesses visual-spatial working memory.
Picture Memory requires the child to remember *what* pictures they saw, assessing visual working memory. Zoo Locations requires the child to remember *where* the animal cards were placed on a layout, assessing visual-spatial working memory.
Question 4: During the administration of the Picture Memory subtest, the examiner accidentally exposes the stimulus page for 7 seconds instead of the standard 5. What is the most appropriate course of action?
- Continue the test and make a note of the timing error.
- Spoil the item and proceed to the next one. (Correct answer)
- Stop the subtest and administer a supplemental subtest instead.
- Re-administer the item with the correct timing after a short break.
Correct answer: Spoil the item and proceed to the next one.
Standardized administration is critical for valid results. If a significant timing error occurs that could aid the child's performance, the item should be spoiled (not scored) and the examiner should move to the next item to maintain the integrity of the subtest.
Question 5: The Working Memory Index (WMI) was a new addition to the WPPSI-IV. What was the primary rationale for its inclusion?
- To provide a more comprehensive measure of nonverbal intelligence.
- To reduce the overall administration time of the battery.
- To replace the Processing Speed Index for younger children.
- To assess a key aspect of cognitive functioning linked to fluid reasoning and various clinical conditions. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To assess a key aspect of cognitive functioning linked to fluid reasoning and various clinical conditions.
Working memory was added to the WPPSI-IV because it is recognized as a critical component of overall intellectual functioning, is strongly related to fluid reasoning, and is sensitive to a wide range of developmental and clinical conditions affecting young children.
Question 6: An examiner is administering the Zoo Locations subtest to a child who is self-correcting their placement of an animal card. According to standard procedure, what should the examiner do?
- Tell the child their first response is the one that counts.
- Allow the child to complete the self-correction and score the final placement. (Correct answer)
- Prompt the child by asking, 'Are you sure?'
- Record both responses and score the item as a query.
Correct answer: Allow the child to complete the self-correction and score the final placement.
In general, on Wechsler scales, a child's final response or placement is the one that is scored, even if they self-correct. The examiner should allow the child to finish moving the card and score its final location without interference.
WPPSI - Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Working Memory Administration Questions and Answers
When administering the Picture Memory subtest of the WPPSI-IV, what is the standard exposure time for each stimulus page?