ADULTS
What sort of tests are used in a psychological and educational assessment for
adults with learning difficulties?
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WECHSLER ADULT INTELLIGENCE SCALE –VERSION 111 UK
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – 111 UK (WAIS - 111) is a standardised,
reliable and valid measure of intellectual ability, which has been normed on
a large population and thus allows comparison of an individual's performance
against those of similar age. It can be given to adults between 16 and 74 years.
It has 14 subtests (described below) of which six are used to assess and calculate a verbal intellectual ability Verbal Subscale and five which are used to assess and calculate hand eye ability Performance Subscale. This subscale is also referred to in the report as the Visual-Performance Subscale.
The Verbal and Visual-Performance Subscale can be combined to give a Full Scale Cognitive Intellectual Ability score or Intelligence Quotient (I.Q.). However where there is a significant difference in scores between the verbal and visual-performance I.Q.s, a full scale I.Q. is not reported as to do so would mask the difference between the two I.Q.s. The phrase Not Appropriate to Report is used. Such discrepancies are common in individuals with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia.
Individual Scale Scores vary from 1 - 19 for these tests. Average scores on the WAIS - 111 range from 7 - 13 and fall within the ranges described as Low Average, Average and High Average. High and Exceptionally describe the ranges above high average and Low and Exceptionally Low describe the ranges below low average.
The Verbal, Visual-Performance and Full Scale I.Q.s are useful in that they identify the overall potential an individual may have, however the more valuable aspect of the Wechsler scale lies in the various subtests described below that make up the scale.
VERBAL SUBSCALE
The Verbal Subscale consists of seven subtests that require the use of language
without the use of aids or materials. The Verbal Comprehension Index is calculated
using Vocabulary, Comprehension and Similarities, while the Working Memory Index
uses Arithmetic, Digit Span and Number-Letter Sequencing. The seven verbal subtests
are:
Information Subtest - requires the recall of general facts and figures across a broad range of topics.
Similarities Subtest - requires verbal logical reasoning or verbal concept formation involving abstract reasoning.
Vocabulary Subtest - requires defining words presented auditorily.
Comprehension Subtest - requires verbal, social judgement formation.
Digit Span Subtest - requires the use of auditory memory and attention for a sequence of numbers presented auditorily.
Letter-Number Sequencing – requires the use of auditory memory and attention for sequences of numbers and letters requiring reordering.
VISUAL-PERFORMANCE SUBSCALE
The Visual-Performance Subscale consists of seven hand eye tasks completed against
time limits and not requiring the use of language. The Perceptual Organization
Index is calculated using Picture Completion, Block Design and Matrix Reasoning.
The Speed of Processing Index is calculated using Digit-Symbol – Coding
and Symbol Search. The seven hand eye tasks are:
Picture Completion - requires identifying essential from non essential detail in pictures of familiar objects.
Picture Arrangement - requires sequencing a series of pictures to tell a story that reflects non verbal social reasoning.
Block Design - requires analysis and synthesis of abstract two dimensional designs using blocks.
Matrix Reasoning – requires analysis and synthesis of abstract two dimensional designs to identify an appropriate option from one of five choices to complete a visual problem.
Digit Symbol - Coding requires the hand eye co-ordination of copying symbols at speed and motor output with a pencil.
Object Assembly – this is an additional subtest and requires visual spatial planning and visual motor organization and co-ordination to complete familiar objects presented in pieces.
Symbol Search - this is an additional subtest and requires an ability to identify a symbol among a number of distracter symbols.
Ravens Progressive Matrices and other measures of intelligence are used according to the individual’s particular assessment needs.
OTHER PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS ADMINISTERED
Some or all of the following tests can be used, selection depends on age, ability
and where there is indication that further assessment may be of value. All the
tests described in this section are normed, and administered using standardized
procedures.
Denman Neuropsychology Memory Test - Visual Memory
Copying - this task requires copying a complex abstract design with a pencil.
Short Term Recall - requires reproducing immediately the design previously copied.
Long Term Recall - requires reproducing after a delay, the same design as previously copied.
Denman Neuropsychology Memory Test - Auditory Memory
Short Term Recall - requires listening to a short story and recalling this same story verbally immediately after hearing it.
Long Term Recall - requires recalling a previously heard story verbally but after a delay.
Sentence Repetition - requires repeating exactly sentences of increasing difficulty after a single hearing.
British Ability Scale – Visual Memory
Immediate Visual Recall – requires visually scanning an array of line drawn objects for a set period of time and then verbally recalling the items observed.
Delayed Visual Recall - requires verbally recalling after a delay some observed items.
ATTAINMENT TESTS
These tests are used to assess the level of literacy and mathematics skills
attained.
Wide Range Achievement Test - Revised (WRAT-3) Age range 5 - 75 years
Reading - requires identifying letters and reading single words.
Spelling - requires writing single words presented auditorily as single words.
Mathematics – requires completing a series of mathematics problems covering a range of different calculations, in varied question and answer formats including written problems.
Non Word Decoding Test requires reading ‘non-sense’ words that has the reader decode phonic sounds while not distracted or aided by familiarity or meaning.
Holborn Sentence Reading Tests - require reading out loud sentences.
One Minute Reading Test – requires reading one syllable words for one minute to establish reading speed.
Vernon Warden Reading Comprehension Test - requires silently reading a sentence and selecting by underlining one word from a list of five words to complete the sentence.
Phonological Assessment Battery - (PhAB) consists of five measures of phonological processing (the use sounds of words, rather than their meaning or grammatical category).
Vernon Graded Arithmetic - Mathematics Test (Junior or Senior Version) - requires completing a series of mathematics problems covering a range of different calculations, in varied question and answer formats including written problems.
One Minute Addition and Subtraction Test – requires completing within one minute, simple addition and subtraction items on paper.
If you would like to make more sense of the tests used, or know more about Assessment Matters check out Organisations + Individuals follow this up with a call to Learning Insights or click on CONTACT US.