The Wechsler adult intelligence scale-revised in clinical neuropsychology practice

Journal/Book: N Z J Psychol. 1997; 26: Business Manager, PO Box 4092, Wellington, New Zealand. New Zealand Psychol Soc. 2-19.

Abstract: Intellectual assessment of clients with suspected or known brain damage using the WAIS-R is common practice in neuropsychology. However, such assessments are being increasingly subjected to critical review, particularly in courtroom settings. This means that psychologists may be challenged about the validity of their testing and interpretation strategies, often with well-informed reference to the published literature. This necessitates that clinicians who use the WAIS-R and present formal reports on their findings are well-versed in the credentials of the test. In this article, a broad range of studies that bear on the usefulness of the WAIS-R in neuropsychological practice are reviewed. Neuropsychologists are well advised to be cautious in the interpretation of WAIS-R profiles and to refer to base rate data before expressing opinions about abnormal performance. It is also important to ensure that WAIS-R findings are well-integrated with a client's neurological and life history data. Although the courtroom is not the best environment in which to determine the testing strategies, the prospect of such scrutiny may at least stimulate psychologists to maintain a healthy skepticism about their tests and measures.

Note: Review Knight RG, Univ Otago, Dept Psychol, Box 56, Dunedin, NEW ZEALAND

Keyword(s): PERFORMANCE IQ DISCREPANCIES; R STANDARDIZATION SAMPLE; TEST-RETEST STABILITY; PRINCIPLE-COMPONENTS ANALYSIS; HIERARCHICAL FACTOR STRUCTURE; HEALTHY UK SAMPLE; PERSONS 75 YEARS; BASE-RATE DATA; WAIS-R; ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

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