Short,Shorter,Shortest

Abstract

The accuracy of different subtest combinations in predicting Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ, scores on the revised edition of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R) was examined. A best subset multiple regression technique with sample sizes ranging from 1,062 to 1,084 individuals was used. All possible subtest combinations were analyzed to determine the ones that showed the three best and the single worst multiple Rs with IQ scores from the complete WAIS-R. All short forms provided accurate estimates of Full Scale scores, and predictive accuracy increased slightly as more subtests were used. The data suggest that statistically searching for a “best” short form is largely futile. Short forms should be selected on the basis of their efficiency to provide the information required.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Benedict

R. H.

Schretlen

Bobholz

J. H.

(1992). Concurrent validity of three WAIS-R short forms in psychiatric inpatients. Psychological Assessment, 4, 322–328

Doppelt

J. E.

(1956). Estimating the full scale score on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale from scores on four subtests. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 20, 63–66

Kaufman

A. S.

Ishikuma

Kaufman-Packer

J. L.

(1991). Amazingly short forms of the WAIS-R. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 9, 4–15

Reynolds

C. R.

Willson

V. L.

Clark

P. L.

(1983). A four-test short form of the WAIS-R for clinical screening. Clinical Neuropsychology, 5, 111–116

Satz

Mogel

(1962). An abbreviation of the WAIS for clinical use. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 18, 77–79

Silverstein

A. B.

(1982). Two- and four-subtest short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 50, 415–418

Silverstein

A. B.

(1990). Short forms of individual intelligence tests. Psychological Assessment, 2, 3–11

Ward

L. C.

(1990). Prediction of verbal, performance, and full scale IQs from seven subtests of the WAIS-R. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 46, 436–440

Wechsler

(1955). Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. New York: The Psychological Corporation

10.

Wechsler

(1981). Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. New York: The Psychological Corporation