Comparison of WAIS and Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para Adultos scores in an institutionalized Latin American psychiatric population.

Vocabulary and Block Design subtests of the WAIS and its Puerto Rican counterpart, the Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para Adultos (EIWA), were compared in a chronic population of 42 hospitalized Latins and Trans-Caribbean Blacks. A matched sample of 12 English and Spanish speakers was administered the WAIS and the EIWA subtests, respectively. A sample of bilingual Latins was administered the EIWA and the WAIS subtests in a systematically counterbalanced order. In both designs, EIWA scores were significantly higher than WAIS scores. The assumption of equivalence of EIWA and WAIS estimates is questioned. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the mainland Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.

This is the first Western report on the mainland Chinese revision of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS—RC). Major revisions were required to make WAIS—RC suitable for Chinese subjects, so we factor analyzed the results to determine the structure of the revised instrument. A two-factor solution was adopted for the urban standardization sample (N?=?2,029) and a three-factor solution for the rural standardization sample (N?=?992). The pattern of subtest loadings on the general factor and the distribution of the components of variance for the subtests indicate that the WAIS—RC is sufficiently similar to the original scale to justify cross-cultural comparisons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessing the intellectual functioning of Spanish-speaking adults: Comparison of the EIWA and the WAIS.

We point out the significant limitations in adapting the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) to assess the intellectual-cognitive functioning of Spanish-speaking adults, and we seek to familiarize practitioners with the Spanish version of the WAIS, the Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler Para Adultos (EIWA). To do the latter, we systematically examined both the EIWA and the WAIS and identified the exact differences between the two tests in regard to administration, content, scoring, and standardization sample characteristics. The most significant difference was found in the conversion of raw scores to scale scores. On several subtests, the equivalent raw score was converted into very different WAIS and EIWA scale scores. Other significant differences were noted in the content of the tests and in the social demographic makeup of the standardization samples. The administration and assignment of scores for both tests were generally found to be similar. On the basis of these findings, we offer specific recommendations for the testing of Spanish-speaking adults and for further research in this neglected area of study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the Wechsler Memory Scale.

Submitted the Weschler Memory Scale to a factor analysis to determine if more than 1 substantive dimension was present. Ss were 622 15-87 yr. old patients. 2 clear-cut correlated (r = .62) factors were found, suggesting that the scale "might . . . be analyzed in terms of a Memory Quotient or individual subtests. Such analysis might yield clinically useful distinctions between psychiatric and neurologic patients and between subgroups within these 2 broad categories." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the WAIS-Revised: A comparison and a caution.

The WAIS and WAIS-R were administered to 52 18–48 yr olds in a format that combines the 2 tests and reduces the errors due to practice effects common in the usual test–retest methods of administration. Ss scored significantly lower on the WAIS-R than on the WAIS. Clinicians and others using IQ tests should be alerted to these results before they apply the usual assumptions concerning test scores and intellectual levels of functioning. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of the WAIS with its Mainland Chinese version: Comment on Ryan, Dai, and Paolo (1992).

A comparison between the original Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised for China (WAIS-RC) manual (Y. X. Gong, 1982, 1983) and statements made by J. J. Ryan, X. Dai, and A. N. Paolo (1992) in their article "Intersubset Scatter on the Mainland Chinese Version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale" generated several concerns. These concerns pertain to inaccurate comparisons between "mean ranges" in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised and the WAIS-RC, inconsistencies between the original WAIS-RC sample size and the WAIS-RC sample size reported by J. J. Ryan et al, questionable conclusions regarding the relation between the WAIS-RC "scatter decrease" as a function of years of education that ignore important cultural circumstances, and inappropriate generalizations of WAIS-RC results based on an urban sample that does not truly represent the entire Chinese population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the WAIS—R: Psychiatric and standardization samples.

Performed factor analysis on the responses of 114 psychiatric inpatients (mean age 28.9 yrs) to the WAIS—R. Results show clearly dichotomized Verbal and Performance subtests in a 2-factor solution and evidence of the previously found Freedom From Distractibility dimension in a 3-factor solution. Since both solutions were comparable to those obtained from the standardized sample, it is suggested that results validate clinical interpretations based on the factor structure. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the Marital Interaction Coding System (MICS).

A significant source of confusion in the marital observation area is the proliferation of systems for collapsing microbehavioral codes into categories. This study used an archival data set of 995 couples' videotaped conflict negotiations coded with the Marital Interaction Coding System-IV (MICS). A factor analysis was conducted to provide some empirically based guidance for the formation of coding categories. Four factors emerged for both men and women: Hostility, Constructive Problem Discussion, Humor, and Responsibility Discussion. Suggestions are made for category formation with MICS codes and for the development of a new coding system based on these results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Orthogonal higher order structure and confirmatory factor analysis of the French Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III).

According to the most widely accepted Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) model of intelligence measurement, each subtest score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults (3rd ed.; WAIS–III) should reflect both 1st- and 2nd-order factors (i.e., 4 or 5 broad abilities and 1 general factor). To disentangle the contribution of each factor, we applied a Schmid–Leiman orthogonalization transformation (SLT) to the standardization data published in the French technical manual for the WAIS–III. Results showed that the general factor accounted for 63% of the common variance and that the specific contributions of the 1st-order factors were weak (4.7%–15.9%). We also addressed this issue by using confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicated that the bifactor model (with 1st-order group and general factors) better fit the data than did the traditional higher order structure. Models based on the CHC framework were also tested. Results indicated that a higher order CHC model showed a better fit than did the classical 4-factor model; however, the WAIS bifactor structure was the most adequate. We recommend that users do not discount the Full Scale IQ when interpreting the index scores of the WAIS–III because the general factor accounts for the bulk of the common variance in the French WAIS–III. The 4 index scores cannot be considered to reflect only broad ability because they include a strong contribution of the general factor. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure and criterion-related validity of the metaperspective version of the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q).

The coach–athlete relationship has been purported to be shaped by coaches’ and athletes’ self-perceptions (e.g., I trust my coach/athlete) and metaperceptions (e.g., My coach/athlete trusts me) of closeness, commitment, and complementarity (3Cs). The development of the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q; S. Jowett & N. Ntoumanis, 2004) has enabled the assessment of coaches’ and athletes’ self-perceptions of the relationship as defined by the 3Cs. The author conducted 2 studies to examine the factor structure and criterion-related validity of the CART-Q when its items are worded to express metaperceptions. In the 1st study, confirmatory factor analyses employing a sample of athletes (n = 201) supported the validity of a 3-dimensional model in which the factors were separate but correlated for metacloseness, metacommitment, and metacomplementarity. The 2nd study provided further evidence of validity when the 3 factors were examined relative to criterion variables with 2 independent samples: athletes (n = 189) and coaches (n = 138). These results highlight that the conceptual model from which the CART-Q was developed captures the relationship quality through athletes’ and coaches’ feelings (closeness), thoughts (commitment), and behaviors (complementarity). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests and the Halstead-Reitan Category and Tapping tests.

Scores from 94 psychiatric and neurological patients on the 11 subtests of the WAIS and the Halstead-Reitan Category and Finger Tapping Tests were used in a factor analysis. The Category Test had a low loading on the 1st (Verbal) factor and a high loading on the 2nd (Visuomotor) factor; the Tapping Test had a high loading on a small 4th factor of Manipulative Speed. The finding with the Category Test suggests that it, contrary to the expectation of many of its users, does not distinguish an ability that is both separate from nonverbal intelligence and particularly sensitive to all types of brain pathology. It is concluded that visuomotor and verbal factor scores might be more efficient than conventional scores in studies of the effects of brain damage. (28 ref) (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)     

The soul of Spain: Spanish scholastic psychology and the making of modern subjectivity (1875–1931).

The aim of this article is to provide an approach to the study of the relations between psychology and Roman Catholic Scholasticism in the making of Spain as a modern nation-state. The crucial period in this process—extending from the beginning of King Alfonso XII’s reign in 1875 to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931—is considered. Attention is focused on Ethics textbooks published by Spanish Scholastic authors throughout the period. Through these school manuals, young students were trained in the ideas of citizenship and social coexistence held by the Catholic Church. An analysis of these didactic, programmatic works shows the central role played by the theory of faculties and modern psychological technologies (psychopedagogy, psychopathology, psychotechnics) in the Scholastic outlook. Thus, an attempt is made to show that psychology was used by Spanish Scholasticism as a way of legitimating a reactionary view of Spain, which eventually led to the emergence of National-Catholicism as the official ideology of the Franco regime (1939–1975). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric qualities of the German version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PTDS).

In the present study, the psychometric properties of the German version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PTDS; A. Ehlers, R. Steil, H. Winter, & E. B. Foa, 1996) were evaluated in a sample of 143 trauma survivors. To investigate convergent and discriminant validity of this questionnaire, the authors assessed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression symptoms, and social phobia. Internal consistencies of the PTDS and its subscales as well as their association with related measures show that the German PTDS is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of posttraumatic stress symptoms. A 3-factor structure was found that is, however, not exactly in concordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) formulation (Reexperiencing, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal) but rather comprises a Reexperiencing/Avoidance factor; an Emotional Numbing/Hyperarousal factor; and a 3rd factor, consisting of Hypervigilance and an Exaggerated Startle Response. The findings are discussed with respect to their equivalency to the original PTDS, core symptoms of PTSD, and desirable future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The development of a brief version of the Nurse's Observation Scale For Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE-30).

Psychiatric hospitals typically do not use reliable and valid clinical instruments when recording behavioral observations. This could be attributable to these instruments being perceived as too complicated and time consuming to routinely administer. The goal of the present study was to examine if a briefer version of the 30 item Nurses' Observation for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE); could be developed without compromising the reliability and the factorial validity of the scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed with a combined sample of 67 persons (with 4,973 total numbers of observations) from two settings, by randomly assigning participant observations to either phase one (full-scale model, 30-item NOSIE) or to phase two (reduced-scale model, 12-item NOSIE). The results indicated that the reduced 12-item model with the correlated latent structures appears to be the best representation of the observed data. The potential clinical usefulness of a reduced item model of the NOSIE is discussed in light of these results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intersubtest scatter on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised for China: Reply to Li and Balfour (1996).

In reply to the W. Li and L. Balfour (see record 83:24828) critique of our study "Intersubtest scatter on the Mainland Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale" (J. J. Ryan, X. Y. Dai, & A. M. Paolo, 1992), some minor omissions in the original article are clarified and additional data are presented. The major conclusion from the 1992 article is substantiated via generalization to other samples. Thus, among Chinese adults and adolescents who experienced the Great Cultural Revolution, education and IQ were highly correlated, and intersubtest scatter decreased as intelligence level increased. The latter finding is contrary to that for Americans in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised standardization sample, who demonstrated increased scatter as the magnitude of the Full Scale IQ increased (J. E. McLean, A. S. Kaufman, & C. R. Reynolds, 1989). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Visual reproduction subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised: analysis of construct validity

This study assessed the construct validity of Visual Reproduction (VR) Cards A (Flags) and B (Boxes) from the original Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) compared to Flags and Boxes from the revised edition of the WMS (WMS-R). Independent raters scored Flags and Boxes using both the original and revised scoring criteria and correlations were obtained with age, education, IQ, and four separate criterion memory measures. Results show that for Flags, there is a tendency for the revised scoring criteria to produce improved construct validity. For Boxes, however, there was a trend in the opposite direction, with the revised scoring criteria demonstrating worse construct validity. Factor analysis suggests that Flags are a more distinct measure of visual memory, whereas Boxes are more complex and significantly associated with conceptual reasoning abilities. Using the revised scoring criteria, Boxes were found to be more strongly related to IQ than Flags. This difference was not found using the original scoring criteria.     

Seeing the forest for the trees: Prevalence of low scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (WISC-IV).

Low scores across a battery of tests are common in healthy people and vary by demographic characteristics. The purpose of the present article was to present the base rates of low scores for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (WISC-IV; D. Wechsler, 2003). Participants included 2,200 children and adolescents between 6 and 16 years of age from the WISC-IV U.S. standardization sample. Measures considered in the base rates analyses included the 10 core subtests and the 4 index scores. Analyses were conducted for the entire standardization sample as well as stratified by different classifications of intelligence and different years of parental education. In the total sample, it is uncommon to have 6 or more subtest scores or 2 or more Index scores ≤ 9th percentile. The prevalence of low scores typically increased with lesser intelligence and fewer years of parental education (e.g., children with below-average intelligence were 75 times more likely than children with above-intelligence to have at least one impaired subtest score). Consistent with existing studies of the base rates of low scores, some low scores on the WISC-IV were common in children and adolescents, and the frequency was related to a child's level of intelligence and parental education. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor space of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Third Edition: Critical thoughts and recommendations.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Third Edition (WISC—III) manual incorporates a detailed and careful series of factor analyses. It recommends using approximations of the Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Freedom From Distractibility, and Processing Speed factor scores. These approximations are simple sums of the scores of the subtests that load most highly on a factor. These simple sum factor estimates suffer from reduced factorial specificity. The simple estimates share substantially more variance with the factor of General Intelligence, or the g factor, and less variance with the other unrotated factors than the best estimates of the factor. This state of affairs has implications for clinical interpretation of factor scores. Application of the procedures recommended here is practical with the use of a computer and a basic spreadsheet program. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)