What Each WAIS IV Subtest Measures
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ScribdTranslationsWhat Each WAIS IV Subtest Measures
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ScribdTranslationsWhat each WAIS IV Subtest measures
Cube Construction: Central subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning index. It is designed
to measure the ability to analyze and synthesize stimuli. The task to be performed also
involves non-verbal reasoning and concept formation, visual intelligence, fluid
intelligence, visual organization and perception, simultaneous processing, visual-motor
coordination, learning and the ability to separate figure-ground in a visual stimulus.
Analogies: Central subtest of the Verbal Comprehension Index. It is designed to
measure verbal reasoning and concept formation skills. It also involves crystallized
intelligence skills, abstract reasoning, auditory comprehension, categorical and
associative thinking.
Digit Retention: Central subtest of the Working Memory index, composed of three
tasks: Direct (DOD), Inverse (DOI) and Sequencing (DS). DOD involves short-term
information coding, attention coding and auditory processing. Skills for DOI include
working memory, information transformation, mental manipulation and visuospatial
imagination. Like the previous DS tasks, it requires working memory and verbal
manipulation of information.
Reasoning Matrices: Central subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning index. The skills
related to this subtest are fluid intelligence, visual intelligence, classification and
spatial ability, knowledge of the part-whole relationship, simultaneous processing and
perceptual organization.
Vocabulary: Central subtest of the Verbal Comprehension index. This task is designed
to measure word knowledge and verbal concept formation. Other skills involved are
listening comprehension and verbal expression.
Arithmetic: Central subtest of the Working Memory Index. Performing this task
requires skills in mental manipulation, attention, short and long term memory and
numerical reasoning.
Symbol Search: Central subtest of the Processing Speed index. In addition to the
ability involved in the index, this subtest involves visual short-term memory, visual-
motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, visual discrimination, psychomotor speed,
speed in mental operations and attention.
Visual Puzzles: Central subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning Index. The tasks to be
performed require non-verbal reasoning and skills to analyze and synthesize abstract
visual stimuli.
Information: Central subtest of the Verbal Comprehension index. Task designed to
measure the ability to acquire, retain and retrieve general factual information. It also
involves crystallized intelligence and long-term memory. Other related skills that can
be used in this task are verbal perception, comprehension and verbal expression.
Key: Central subtest of the Processing Speed Index. In addition to measuring the
ability described in the index, this subtest involves visual short-term memory, learning,
psychomotor speed, visual perception, visual-motor coordination, visual exploration,
cognitive flexibility, attention and motivation.
Letter-Number Sequencing: Supplementary subtest of the Working Memory Index for
ages 16 years 0 months to 69 years 11 months. The task involves sequential
processing, mental manipulation, attention and auditory short-term memory.
Scales: Supplementary subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning Index for ages 16 years 0
months to 69 years 11 months. The design of this subtest allows measuring analogical
and quantitative reasoning. Quantitative reasoning is expressed mathematically,
emphasizing deductive and inductive logic.
Comprehension: Supplementary subtest of the Verbal Comprehension index. It is
designed to measure moral conceptualization, and involves verbal reasoning and
conceptualization skills, verbal comprehension and expression, evaluating and using
past experiences, the ability to demonstrate practical knowledge and social judgment.
Cancellation: Supplemental subtest of the Processing Speed Index for ages 16 years 0
months to 69 years 11 months. The skills measured are processing speed, focused
visual attention, perceptual speed and visual-motor ability. In clinical neuropsychology
it is useful for measuring visual neglect, response inhibition and motor perseveration.
Incomplete Figures: Supplementary subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning index. The
skills measured by this task include the perception and visual organization of the
essential details of an object.
