The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is a standardized test designed to measure the cognitive development of children aged 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 7 months. Developed by Dr. David Wechsler, the Wechsler Preschool Test assesses various aspects of intelligence through a series of subtests. We offer the WPPSI in person. It cannot be given virtually.
In our practice, the WPPSI is always administered individually by a psychologist. Depending on the child’s age and the specific subtests administered, the test takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is often given as part of comprehensive testing, including executive functioning assessments, ADHD Testing, social functioning tests, and behavioral measures.
Structure of the WPPSI
The following summarizes the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence subtests and domains.
WPPSI Subtests
For younger children ages 2:6 to 3:11, five core subtests are given:
- Receptive Vocabulary measures the child’s ability to understand spoken words. This test is helpful for younger children who may understand more than they can express, so it measures verbal skills in a developmentally appropriate way.
- Block Design assesses spatial visualization and problem-solving skills using colored blocks. This test is an excellent basic test of nonverbal reasoning which later becomes important in STEAM subjects.
- Information evaluates general knowledge and long-term memory. This is an excellent test of how much a child is learning and retaining from the world around them, and can also be used as a measure of attention.
- Object Assembly tests visual-motor integration and part-whole reasoning. This is another core test of nonverbal reasoning.
- Picture Naming measures expressive language ability, at least the basic ability to use vocabulary.
- Picture Memory assesses visual recognition and memory. This is a core test of working memory, or the ability to hold information in awareness before using it.
- Zoo Locations measures visual-spatial working memory.
For children ages 4:0 to 7:7, additional subtests are given:
- Matrix Reasoning measures nonverbal abstract problem-solving, inductive reasoning, and spatial reasoning.
- Bug Search tests processing speed and visual acuity.
- Picture Concepts measures categorical reasoning and the ability to identify commonalities.
- Similarities assesses verbal concept formation and abstract reasoning.
- Vocabulary measures expressive vocabulary knowledge.
In addition, the following supplemental subtests can be given to this older group:
- Animal Coding tests processing speed and visual-motor coordination.
- Cancellation measures processing speed and attention.
- Comprehension assesses understanding of social situations and common sense.
Each subtest evaluates specific cognitive functions and skills, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of a child’s intellectual abilities.
WPPSI Domains
The subtests above can be combined to measure overall cognitive domains, including:
- Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI): Measures verbal concept formation, reasoning, and expression.
- Visual Spatial Index (VSI): Assesses spatial processing, attention to detail, and visual-motor integration.
- Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI): Evaluates inductive reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and simultaneous processing. This domain is only measured in the older group.
- Working Memory Index (WMI): This measure measures memory span and working memory. This area becomes more important as a child progresses through schooling.
- Processing Speed Index (PSI): Assesses the ability to quickly and correctly scan, sequence, and discriminate simple visual information. This domain is also only measured in the older group.
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Purpose
The WPPSI is used for various purposes, including the following
Educational Planning with the Wechsler Preschool Test
The Wechsler Preschool Test can help determine whether a child is ready for kindergarten and what supports, interventions, and educational accommodations they may need. For those needing significant support to learn to their potential, the WPPSI helps develop individualized education programs (IEPs). For younger children, the Wechsler Preschool Test can help parents and preschool teachers engage the child in activities that will help them get ready for future formal schooling.
The WPPSI as a Diagnostic Tool
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence can assess specific challenges and opportunities, such as identifying learning disabilities, developmental delays, or potential giftedness. The WPPSI can help parents and professionals design specific plans and interventions even when the child is very young.
Research with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence
The WPPSI is often utilized in studies related to child development and early childhood education. For example, it can be given to a group of children to assess the effectiveness of an early childhood curriculum.
WPPSI Scoring and Interpretation
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence scores are provided as standard scores, percentiles, and age-equivalent scores. The primary score is the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), an overarching composite score representing general intellectual ability. Primary index scores are also given for each of the domains listed above. These primary scores are often compared and contrasted to understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses. This way, parents and professionals get information.
Wechsler Preschool Test In Our Practice
The WPPSI test is valuable in understanding a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, guiding interventions, and supporting educational planning.
Reason for WPPSI Referral
Jane was referred for assessment to understand her cognitive abilities better and to provide guidance for her educational planning as she prepares to enter kindergarten. Her parents and her preschool have concerns about her nonverbal skills, such as visual-motor integration and visual acuity.
Behavioral Observations
Jane was cooperative and attentive throughout the Wechsler Preschool Test session. She appeared comfortable with the testing materials and engaged readily with the tasks. She appeared to understand all instructions and did not tire as testing progressed. No significant behavioral concerns were noted. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence accurately measures Jane’s cognitive functioning, including strengths and weaknesses.
Summary of Wechsler Preschool Test Scores
- Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ): 108, 70th percentile, Average range
- Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI): 108 | 70th percentile, Average range
- Visual Spatial Index (VSI): 115, 84th percentile, High Average range
- Working Memory Index (WMI): 100, 50th percentile, Average range
- Processing Speed Index (PSI): 102, 55th percentile, Average range
Interpretation of WPPSI Results
Jane’s Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of 108 places her solidly in the Average range of intellectual functioning. This indicates that her overall cognitive abilities are at least equivalent to those of her peers.
Jane’s VCI score of 108 suggests that her verbal reasoning and conceptualization abilities are in the Average range. She demonstrated a solid understanding of verbal information and could express her thoughts clearly. This is a strong finding relative to the demands that she will face in the kindergarten classroom.
Jane’s VSI score of 115 is in the High Average range, indicating strong visual-spatial processing skills. She performed particularly well on tasks requiring her to analyze and understand abstract visual information. This is a positive finding relative to her parents’ concerns about her in this area.
Jane’s WMI score of 100 falls in the Average range, reflecting her ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily. Her working memory skills are adequate for tasks such as following multi-step instructions. However, these skills are significantly lower than her much higher visual-spatial skills. Thus, the weakness that her parents and preschool teachers noted may be related more to working memory than nonverbal intelligence.
Jane’s PSI score of 102 is in the Average range. This score suggests that her ability to quickly and accurately process simple visual information is typical for her age group. Again, while this score is solid, it is significantly lower than her VSI, which suggests that she may not do quite as well on nonverbal tasks when she faces time pressure.
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Recommendations
Based on her scores and comparisons between scores on the Wechsler Preschool Test, the following recommendations can be made:
- Educational Enrichment: Given Jane’s cognitive strengths, it is recommended that she be provided with challenging and stimulating educational activities, particularly in areas involving visual-spatial tasks and problem-solving.
- Language Development: To further support her verbal comprehension, Jane should be engaged in activities that promote language development, such as reading and interactive storytelling. Her scores in this area were solid, so she should not need specific interventions besides normal classroom learning.
- Working Memory Support: Incorporating games and activities that enhance working memory, such as memory-matching games, can help strengthen this area. She should also learn strategies such as “chunking” of information and using visual reminders and graphic organizers. Finally, she should learn to be assertive and let the teacher know when she needs something repeated.
- Processing Speed: Jane would benefit from extra time on particularly difficult or complex tasks to show her ability. Even when there is no actual time pressure, Jane seems to be rushing, so she should be reminded that she can be equally proud of her output regardless of how quickly she finishes.
- It is suggested that Jane’s cognitive development be regularly monitored to see whether interventions and the above ideas work for her.
Jane demonstrates a range of cognitive abilities that are generally above average for her age. Some comparisons suggested that with appropriate educational strategies and support, she can tap into her strengths and excel in her academic endeavors.
Referrals for the WPPSI
We accept referrals for the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, though we suggest you call the public school system first to see what they can offer. We often test children whose parents want to understand their child’s strengths and challenges but do not feel that special education will be needed, and thus, the school system is unlikely to provide testing. The Wechsler Preschool Test can be helpful for almost any child. When we do the testing, we create a report that gives parents and teachers a variety of recommendations and insights to help the child achieve their ability at school.
We cannot give the WPPSI virtually, but we do offer it at our hubs in Boston, Portsmouth, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Denver. Please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation if you’d like more information about our services.
