Confirmatory factor analysis of the WAIS–III standardization data.

Confirmatory factor analyses with the standardization data of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (Wechsler, 1997a) compared 6 models with 1 to 4 factors for 11- and 13-subtest versions of the test. Three factors usually fit the data better than 2 factors, but 2-factor models were more parsimonious. A 2-factor model with a Verbal Comprehension factor (Vocabulary, Similarities, Information, and Comprehension) was as good as and sometimes better than the 2-factor model defined by the traditional separation of Verbal and Performance subtests. For 3-factor models, alternative specifications of processing speed subtests on either the Perceptual Organization or Freedom From Distractibility factor were comparable, and specifying a 4th factor for Digit Symbol and Symbol Search had little advantage in comparison with 3-factor models with correlated errors for the 2 subtests. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised for persons 75 years and older.

We factor analyzed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS—R) protocols of 130 normal elderly. For age and education, Ms?=?81.24 years (SD?=?5.24) and 9.54 years (SD?=?2.50). Results indicated that the WAIS—R may be interpreted as a 1-, 2-, or 3-factor battery. In the 1-factor solution, interpretative emphasis was placed on the Full Scale IQ as a measure of g. In the 2-factor solution, a Verbal Comprehension factor consisted of Information, Digit Span, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Similarities. A Perceptual Organization factor comprised Block Design, Object Assembly, and Digit Symbol. In the 3-factor solution, the subtest alignments for the Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Organization factors remained highly similar, whereas Arithmetic constituted a Freedom From Distractibility factor. Overall, 1- or 2-factor models seem to offer the most plausible and parsimonious structures for this sample. Seven subtests had high or intermediate levels of specific variance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analysis of the WAIS-R.

A simultaneous maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis of intercorrelations among the 11 subtests of the WAIS–R was undertaken in the 9 age groups in the normative sample (D. Wechsler, 1981). Several models were fit to the data and compared, including a single-factor model; orthogonal and oblique 2-factor models, comprised of the Verbal and Performance subtests, respectively; an orthogonal and 2 oblique 3-factor models, the 3rd factor involving the Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Digit Symbol subtests; a 3-factor model, composed of a general intellectual factor and Verbal and Performance factors; and a 4-factor model, consisting of both a general factor and 3 common ability factors (Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Memory/Freedom from Distractability). Results suggest that (a) the single-factor model fits the data fairly well, although there is some misspecification in this model; (b) none of the multifactor models fit the data markedly better than the single-factor model; and (c) the single-factor structure is consistent across the age groups. It is concluded that the WAIS–R largely contains a general intellectual factor and that any common ability factors therein play a minor role in influencing WAIS–R subscale scores. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the WAIS-R at nine age levels between 16 and 74 years.

The WAIS-R was factor analyzed across the 9 age groups in the standardization sample (1,880 Ss). When 3- and 4-factor analyses were performed, the familiar 3-factor structure (Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom From Distractibility) was clearly visible. Findings indicate that the individual subtests seem to play equivalent roles in the WAIS and WAIS-R, with the possible exception of Picture Arrangement, which no longer loads highly on factors other than General Intelligence. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Age effects on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised tests.

A study of the age norms for the 11 individual WAIS-R tests indicates that additional scaled-score points are awarded primarily to the Performance scale tests at ages 35–74 yrs. Digit Symbol shows the most decline of any WAIS-R test. Results suggest that fluid intelligence, as measured by the Performance scale tests, shows more of a decline with age than crystallized intelligence, as measured by the Verbal scale tests. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mayo's Older Americans Normative Studies (MOANS): Factor structure of a core battery.

Confirmatory factor analyses were completed separately with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS—R) and the Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised (WMS—R). Confirmatory factor analyses were also performed on a "core battery" composed of the WAIS—R, WMS—R, and the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) when administered together. Participants were from the MOANS, which include 526 healthy, community-dwelling people ages 55–97 yrs. LISREL analysis of the WAIS—R found a 3-factor model to be acceptable, supporting extension of the Verbal Comprehension (VC), Perceptual Organization (PO), and Freedom from Distractibility model of the WAIS—R to "normal" people ages 55–97 yrs. A 2-factor model of the WMS—R involving attention and general memory was supported. A 5-factor model of the core battery was supported and included VC, PO, Attention, Learning, and Retention. The Retention factor included Logical Memory, Visual Reproduction, and AVLT percent retention scores. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual bias in the WAIS.

The WAIS protocols of 50 male and 50 female college students were analyzed for differential subtest performance. Although no significant differences were found for education, age, or Verbal, Performance, or Full Scale IQ, males were found to be highly superior on the Information, Arithmetic, Block Design, and Picture Arrangement subtests. Females were markedly superior on the Digit Symbol subtest. Wechsler's M-F score was calculated for each group and was found to differentiate the sexes better than any single subtest. The results suggest the presence of sexual bias in the WAIS even when age, education, IQ, and experience are held fairly constant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Two types of tables for use with the WAIS-R.

Confidence intervals for the WAIS-R were computed for the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores. IQ intervals for the 85, 90, 95, and 99% levels of confidence are reported for each of the 9 standardization sample age groups and the entire sample. Differences between Verbal and Performance IQ scores required for 90 and 99% levels of significance are also reported. All values are computed on the basis of the standard errors of measurement reported in the WAIS-R manual for the standardization sample. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison study of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised in a college population.

Administered the WAIS and the WAIS-R to 70 18–29 yr old college students in a counterbalanced order. A highly significant test?×?order interaction was found such that the WAIS-R resulted in significantly higher estimates of ability when administered following the WAIS than did the WAIS when following the WAIS-R. However, a comparison of scores for Ss taking their 1st Wechsler scale revealed that for this group the WAIS-R resulted in significantly lower estimates of intellectual ability than the WAIS—Verbal IQ 8 points lower, Performance IQ 9 points lower, and Full Scale IQ 9 points lower. Results are discussed in terms of the clinical implications, particularly as they pertain to the interaction effect. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised.

The standardization data for the WAIS-R and the original WAIS were subjected to principal-factor analysis, and a 2-factor solution was adopted for each scale. The stability of the 2 factors, identified as Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Organization, was high both within and between scales. Variance components (common, specific, and error) and estimates of the general factor were calculated for each subtest on both the WAIS-R and the WAIS. Results are discussed in terms of the clinical interpretation of the scales. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On interpreting the several standard errors of the WAIS-R: Some further tables.

Discusses the significance of confidence intervals around IQ scores based on a misleading interpretation of the standard error of measurement terms provided in the WAIS-R manual. Further standard error values that can be used to define the intervals around predicted true scores are given, together with a table for determining the abnormality of WAIS-R Verbal and Performance IQ discrepancies. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Examiner sex bias and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children scores.

Administered the WISC (excluding Mazes and Digit Span) to 64 3rd graders randomly selected for IQ. Eight examiners, 4 males and 4 females, each tested 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls. Female examiners elicited higher Full Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, Comprehension, Similarities, and Vocabulary scores from all children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparability of the WAIS and the WAIS—R: A consideration of level of neuropsychological impairment.

Subjects of varying levels of neuropsychological impairment who were administered the revised version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R) were found to obtain significantly lower Full Scale, Verbal, and Performance IQs than a comparable group of subjects who were administered the original version (WAIS). Significant main effects for level of impairment were found for all IQ measures irrespective of the Wechsler scale administered. No significant interactions of Scale?×?Level of Impairment were found for any IQ measure. The results provide the first empirical support for neuropsychologists' use of a standard expected difference between WAIS and WAIS-R IQ scores as a baseline for assessing changes in intellectual functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The bilevel structure of the Outcome Questionnaire–45.

The structure of the Outcome Questionnaire–45 (Lambert et al., 2001) was examined in a sample of 1,100 university counseling center clients using confirmatory factor analysis. Specifically, the relative fit of 1-factor, 3-factor orthogonal, 3-factor oblique, 4-factor hierarchical, and 4-factor bilevel models were examined. Although the 3-factor oblique, 4-factor hierarchical, and 4-factor bilevel models fit the data well, the 4-factor bilevel model fit the data best. The results provided support for the fit of the 4-factor bilevel model where each item loads on 1 of the 3 independent scales of Symptom Distress, Social Role Performance, and Interpersonal Relations, in addition to a nonoverlapping general distress factor. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure of the Mayo Older Americans Normative Sample (MOANS) core battery: Replication in a clinical sample.

G. E. Smith et al (1992) confirmed 5 factors to account for the covariance structure of a "core battery" of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS—R), Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised (WMS—R), and Auditory Verbal Learning Test administered to the MOANS. The authors attempted to replicate this model in a clinical sample. Data from 417 clinical cases were used in LISREL confirmatory factor analyses. Modifications of the original secondary variable assignments were necessary to obtain a 5-factor model with adequate fit. This 5-factor model was superior to alternative models. The results support the use of a 5-factor model in the development of factor-based summary indexes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The external validity of Asperger disorder: Lack of evidence from the domain of neuropsychology.

The present study compared individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger disorder (AD) in intellectual, motor, visuospatial, and executive function domains. Participants with AD demonstrated significantly higher Verbal and Full Scale IQ scores, significantly larger Verbal–Performance IQ discrepancies, and significantly better visual–perceptual skills than those with HFA. Once the superior intellectual abilities of the AD group were controlled (both statistically through analysis of covariance and by examining IQ-matched subgroups of HFA and AD participants), no significant group differences in motor, visuospatial, or executive functions were evident, save a marginally significant trend toward poorer fine motor performance in the AD group. This suggests that AD may simply be "high-IQ autism" and that separate names for the disorders may not be warranted. The relation of these findings to theories of autism and AD are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Verbal IQ–performance IQ discrepancies on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised in patients with unilateral or bilateral cerebral dysfunction.

Administered the WAIS-R to 89 patients (mean age 42 yrs) with neurodiagnostically confirmed unilateral or bilateral cerebral disease. Similar to findings with previous editions of these tests, Ss with left-hemisphere disease obtained significantly lower Verbal IQ (VIQ) than Performance IQ (PIQ), and Ss with right or bilateral disease obtained lower PIQ than VIQ. It is cautioned that these VIQ–PIQ discrepancies in isolation are ineffective indexes of cerebral dysfunction and that patterns of performance must be viewed in the context of a complete neuropsychological examination and relevant medical and educational historical data. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure and convergent validity of the Aggression Questionnaire in an offender population.

The study examined whether the 4-factor structure of the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ; A. H. Buss and M. Perry, see record 1993-00039-001), consisting of Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Hostility, and Anger, would replicate in an offender population. The AQ and Novaco's Anger Scale (NAS; R. Novaco, 1994) were administered to 200 adult offenders. The results of a confirmatory analysis suggested that the 4-factor model is a poor fit in an offender population. A 2-factor model was suggested: 1 factor combines Physical Aggression and Anger; the other combines Verbal Aggression and Hostility. Evidence of convergent validity of the 2-factor model was provided by high correlations between the AQ and the NAS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Neuropsychological correlates of urine toxicology results

1. The present study evaluated neuropsychological differences among 4 groups of men and women, aged 15 to 61 years. The groups were defined on the basis of urine toxicology screens indicating recent cocaine (n = 12), cannabis (n = 14), or multiple drug (n = 7) use, or no such use (n = 21). 2. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), the Trail Making Tests, and the Porteus Maze Test were administered to all subjects. 3. Analyses revealed no significant differences between the groups in age, gender composition, or in the proportion of group members with personal histories of alcohol/drug abuse or dependence, or Anti-Social Personality Disorder. 4. The cocaine positive group exhibited statistically significant impairments in Verbal IQ, as well as on Information, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Picture Completion, and Trails B subtests. The other experimental groups did not differ from the urine negative group.     

Group Climate, Cohesion, Alliance, and Empathy in Group Psychotherapy: Multilevel Structural Equation Models.

This study examined the definitional and statistical overlap among 4 key group therapeutic relationship constructs--group climate, cohesion, alliance, and empathy--across member-member, member-group, and member-leader relationships. Three multilevel structural equation models were tested using self-report measures completed by 662 participants from 111 counseling center and personal growth groups. As hypothesized, almost all measures of therapeutic relationship were significantly correlated. Hypothesized 1-factor, 2-factor (Working and Bonding factors), and 3-factor (Member, Leader, and Group factors) models did not fit the data adequately. An exploratory model with Bonding, Working, and Negative factors provided the best fit to the data. Group members distinguished among relationships primarily according to relationship quality rather than the status or role of others (i.e., leader, member, or whole group). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)