Which of the following are some of the composite scores that make up the Weschler intelligence Scales?

The Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition, or WISC-V, is an individually administered intelligence test, or IQ test, designed for children between the ages of 6 and 16.  In total, the test only takes about an hour to administer; however, children may take the WISC-V as a part of a more comprehensive neuro-psychological evaluation which may take several hours. 

The WISC-V generates five composite scores including Verbal Comprehension (VCI), Visual Spatial Index (VSI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI).  A Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) is generated based on seven subtests: Similarities, Vocabulary, Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights, Digit Span, and Coding. When we talk about an individual’s “IQ,” we are generally referring to their FSIQ score.  You may also receive a GAI score which is similar to an FSIQ; however, it places less weight on working memory and processing speed.  Significant discrepancies between a child’s FSIQ and GAI may indicate a learning disability. 

The Verbal Comprehension Index measures an individual’s ability to process, assess, and apply word, or verbal, knowledge.  Questions on this section of the test assess: word knowledge acquisition, information retrieval (storing and recalling information), ability to reason/solve verbal problems, and communication of knowledge. 

The Visual Spatial Index measures an individual’s ability to assess visual details and identify visual spatial relationships or patterns.  The questions on this section of the test typically ask students to construct geometric designs from a model, identify distinguishing details between two similar images, etc.

The Fluid Reasoning Index measures an individual’s ability to identify relationships among visual objects.  Questions on this section of the test ask the tester to complete a matrix or series, typically a visual pattern. 

The Working Memory Index measures an individual’s ability to register, maintain, recall, and manipulate both visual and auditory information during a short period of time.  Testers are provided with a series of information and asked to recall the information.  Individuals with poor working memory may require more repetition when learning new material. 

The Processing Speed Index measures how quickly an individual processes new information.  Testers are given specific tasks to complete along in set amounts of time.  Individuals with slower processing speeds typically require more time to complete school work and other daily tasks.  A low Processing Speed Index indicates that a child took longer than average to complete certain tasks.  Very conscientious students, students with testing anxiety, or perfectionists often score lower on PSI regardless of how “fast” they may process information.   

The WISC-V is the brand new gold standard assessment tool designed to measure a child's intellectual ability. It is the latest edition to replace the existing WISC-IV assessment tool. It has more interpretive power, is more efficient and more user-friendly version of the Wechsler test and has updated psychometric properties. 

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Australian and New Zealand Standardised, Fifth Edition (WISC-VA&NZ) is an individually administered comprehensive clinical instrument for assessing the cognitive ability/intelligence of children aged 6 years 0 months through 16 years 11 months (6:0 - 16:11).

The WISC-V provides subtest and composite scores that represent intellectual functioning in specific cognitive domains, as well as a composite score that represents the general intellectual ability. The WISC-V is composed of 16 subtests; Subtests can be grouped into two general categories: primary or secondary.

Administration of the 10 primary subtests is recommended for a comprehensive description of intellectual ability. The 6 secondary subtests can be administered in addition to the primary subtests to provide a broader sampling of intellectual functioning and to yield more information for clinical decision making. The 10 primary subtests are used in certain combinations to derive the FSIQ, the five primary index scores and three of the five ancillary index scores. Seven of the ten primary subtests are used to derive the FSIQ.

This assessment provides the following scores:

  • A Composite Score that represents a child's overall intellectual ability (FSIQ)
  • Primary Index Scores that measure the following areas of cognitive functioning: Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Visual Spatial Index (VSI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and the Processing Speed Index (PSI).
  • Ancillary Index Scores are also provided: The Quantitative Reasoning Index (QRI) ; Auditory Working Memory Index (AWMI); Nonverbal Index (NVI); General Ability Index (GAI); and the Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI).

Some other benefits of the WISC-V include:

  • Updated items and stimuli
  • Added interpretative information useful in assisting the diagnosis of reading disorders, language disorders, ADHD, nonverbal difficulties, visual vs auditory memory deficits, executive function difficulties and visual perception issues.

It is possible for intellectual abilities to change over the course of childhood. Additionally, a child's scores on the WISC-V can be influenced by motivation, attention, interests, and opportunities for learning. For these reasons, some scores might be slightly higher or lower if a child was tested again at another time. It is therefore important to view test scores as a snapshot of a child's current level of intellectual functioning. When these scores are used as part of a comprehensive evaluation, they contribute to an understanding of a child's current strengths and any needs that can be addressed.

Ability Classification of WISC-V

Standard Scores Qualitative Descriptions Percent of Cases
130 and above Extremely High 2.2 %
120 - 129 Very High 6.7 %
110 - 119 High Average 16.1 %
90 - 109 Average 50 %
80 - 89 Low Average 16.1 %
70 - 79 Very Low 6.7 %
69 and below Extremely Low 2.2%  

What are the four indices of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale?

The VC, PR, WM, and PS subscales provide scores for the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), the Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), the Working Memory Index (WMI), and the Processing Speed Index (PSI), respectively.

How is the Wechsler scale scored?

The Wechsler scales yield a standard score with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. The WIPPSI-R is appropriate for children ages 3 years to 1 years 3 months, the WISC-III is appropriate for children ages 6 years to 16 years 11 months, and the WAIS is appropriate for persons ages 16–14 years.

What do the Wechsler Scales measure quizlet?

Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, Processing Speed. Wechsler scales reflect a hierarchical model, with FSIQ as a measure of G and separate abilities represented by these 4 index scores.

What is a composite score WISC?

A Composite Score that represents a child's overall intellectual ability (FSIQ) Primary Index Scores that measure the following areas of cognitive functioning: Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Visual Spatial Index (VSI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and the Processing Speed Index (PSI).