Diagnostic Use of WISC-R Subtest Scatter: A Note of Caution

Abstract

Historically, the diagnostic use of WISC-R subtest scatter in the identification of special education students has been widespread. Research in this area has been based primarily on studies using referred populations (i.e., students with known or suspected learning problems). Data regarding subtest scatter of nonreferred students, however, minimize the diagnostic importance of such an approach. This study investigated the subtest scatter of a large sample of nonreferred students of three ethnic backgrounds-black, white and Hispanic. The magnitude of the subtest scatter was similar to Kaufman's (1976) analysis of the standardization data. The inclusion of the Hispanic group, however, produced a pattern somewhat different than that of Kaufman's study, particularly regarding scatter as a function of over-all IQ level. The implications of these results are discussed, focusing on the cautions use of the scatter index as a diagnostic method.

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References

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