The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS or WAIS Intelligence Test) is a widely used intelligence test designed to measure cognitive abilities in adults and older adolescents. David Wechsler developed it and first published it in 1955. Since then, there have been several revisions and updates. The WAIS IQ Test is one of the more common tests we give in our practice, whether by itself or as part of a larger psychological assessment battery of tests.
Core Domains of the WAIS Intelligence Test
The WAIS IQ Test assesses the following major pillars of cognitive functioning, which are called “Composites”:
- Verbal Comprehension: This section measures your ability to understand and use verbal information. This includes vocabulary, general knowledge, and verbal reasoning.
- Perceptual Reasoning: This section assesses non-verbal and visual-spatial skills, including tasks related to pattern recognition, visual-motor integration, and problem-solving.
- Working Memory: This component evaluates your working memory capacity. This involves holding and manipulating information in your mind for brief periods. Tasks may include digit span and arithmetic.
- Processing Speed: This section measures how quickly you can process and complete visual tasks that require attention and speed.
The Composite Scores are essential in differentiating major aspects of IQ and are sometimes more meaningful and helpful than the overall IQ score.
Specific Domains of the WAIS IQ Test
Within each of the above pillars are subtests that measure specific strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the subtests typically included in the WAIS:
Verbal Comprehension on the WAIS Intelligence Test:
- Similarities: Assesses verbal reasoning and the ability to understand the conceptual relationship between different words or concepts.
- Vocabulary: You are asked to define or provide synonyms for words, assessing their word knowledge and language comprehension.
- Information: Measures general knowledge and the ability to recall factual information.
- Comprehension: This assesses your ability to understand and apply social and practical knowledge to everyday situations.
Perceptual Reasoning on the WAIS IQ Test:
- Block Design: You recreate a visual design using blocks, assessing spatial and abstract reasoning skills.
- Matrix Reasoning: Evaluates non-verbal reasoning and pattern recognition by having you complete a matrix with a missing piece.
- Visual Puzzles: You solve puzzles by selecting pieces that fit together to form a complete picture, testing spatial reasoning.
- Figure Weights: Assesses quantitative reasoning and the ability to judge the weight of objects based on their size and shape.
Working Memory:
- Digit Span: You repeat a series of digits in the same order (Digit Span Forward) or in reverse order (Digit Span Backward), assessing your short-term memory and working memory capacity.
- Arithmetic: Involves solving mathematical problems orally, assessing numerical reasoning, and working memory.
Processing Speed:
- Symbol Search: You are asked to identify specific symbols in a set of symbols as quickly as possible, measuring processing speed and attention.
- Coding: You match symbols with numbers according to a provided key, assessing the speed of information processing and motor coordination.
Optional WAIS IQ Subtests
In addition to these core subtests, we may use supplemental or alternate versions to get more information about specific abilities.
- Letter-number sequencing measures working memory skills when information has to be manipulated in your awareness before you respond.
- Figure Weights combines nonverbal reasoning and calculation skills
- Comprehension measures knowledge of what to do when faced with real-world dilemmas and is also a measure of verbal expression.
- Cancellation is a processing speed test that measures the speed and accuracy of visual scanning.
- Picture Completion measures visual acuity and the ability to assess part-whole relationships.
Once we have given all the required ones and any optional ones we feel would add depth to our conclusions, we analyze all this information, looking for combinations that indicate a strength or weakness and comparisons that suggest relative abilities.
Uses of the WAIS IQ Test
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is a versatile psychological assessment tool for various purposes. Here are some of the primary uses of the WAIS in our practice:
The WAIS IQ Test and Clinical Diagnosis:
We often use the WAIS to help diagnose various conditions and disorders. For example, it can be used with other assessments to assess cognitive patterns associated with ADHD and learning differences. The WAIS IQ test can also be used to determine a person‘s core IQ so that the effects of anxiety or depression can be assessed.
The WAIS Intelligence Test and Educational Planning:
We often use the WAIS to assess a student’s cognitive abilities and learning potential with adolescents and young adults. This information can be valuable in developing individualized education plans (Individual Educational Plans) or accommodations for adults with learning differences and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It can also be used to make specific suggestions to help any student achieve their potential.
IQ and Treatment Planning:
If you have or plan to get a therapist, the WAIS results can be used to develop treatment plans and interventions tailored to your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Career counselors can also use it to assess your best possible job fit.
Alternative IQ Tests for Adults
The WAIS IQ Test is the most commonly given IQ Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are specific circumstances, however, when an alternative may be a better choice for the individual.
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: Another well-known test measuring verbal and nonverbal intelligence. It’s suitable for a wide age range, from toddlers to adults. Some people prefer the Stanford-Binet approach, but the differences are quite subtle. At this website is an in-depth exploration of the differences between these two.
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices: This non-verbal measure assesses abstract reasoning and is often used to measure fluid intelligence. Cultural and language factors influence it less than other tests, so some people with verbal language difficulties, speak a language that the WAIS has not been validated for, or want to understand their fluid intelligence abilities may choose Raven’s specifically.
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities: These assess a wide range of cognitive abilities, including memory, processing speed, and problem-solving skills. The W-J differs from the WAIS in how it conceptualizes intelligence. It describes two skills, Thinking Ability and Cognitive Efficiency, not on the WAIS.
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS): This assesses intelligence and its major components, including verbal and nonverbal reasoning abilities. It’s often used as an alternative to the WAIS but is similar.
- Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test: This non-verbal measure minimizes cultural and verbal influences, making it suitable for individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- KBIT (Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test) evaluates verbal and nonverbal intelligence. It is commonly used when a fast approach is desired.
Choosing a WAIS Intelligence Test Alternative
When choosing an alternative to the WAIS, we consider factors such as the specific purpose of the assessment, the age group of the individuals being tested, and any specific cognitive domains of interest. Additionally, we ensure that the chosen measure is culturally appropriate and has established reliability and validity for the person being assessed.
Our Services and the WAIS Intelligence Test
We provide the WAIS IQ test in our practice as a core part of our psychological testing services. We are careful to always consider the results within the context of a comprehensive assessment, considering your background, history, and other relevant factors. When we first meet, we make sure to understand what brings you in, and our goal is that your WAIS intelligence test report will answer all your questions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to inquire about our services.
