of general intelligence and intellectual functioning
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), (Professional IQ-Test, Intelligence Test)
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) provides an assessment of general intelligence and intellectual functioning. This test is a professional IQ test that can only be administered by specially trained psychologists. Moreover, it complements diagnoses and understanding of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia and Dementia. In addition, it assesses learning difficulties, cognitive impairment, cognitive decline (incl. age-related), intellectual disability and intellectual giftedness.
WAIS-IV is an individually administered intelligence assessment, popularly known as IQ-Test, for individuals aged 16 to 90 years. Furthermore, the test may evaluate intelligence and cognitive functioning in people with a psychological disorder, mental illness or brain injury. Different subtests can provide insight into specific cognitive processes. For example, the digit span subtest can reveal attentional difficulties.
The initial WAIS was created in 1955 by a psychologist David Wechsler. It went through numerous modifications concluding with the release of the current (WAIS-IV) version in 2008.
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is the professional IQ test – the “gold standard” in intellectual assessment, which evaluates intelligence as intellectual performance. The importance of understanding intelligence as performance is that it does not really matter how intelligent the individual is to adapt to the circumstances and environment. What truly matters is how well they utilise their intelligence.
Evaluating Intellectual Performance
Index Scores: Four Domains of Intelligence
The WAIS-IV test battery of ten core and five optional subtests calculates index scores, which represent four major domains of intelligence, each being of equal importance:
- Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)
- Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)
- Working Memory Index (WMI)
- Processing Speed Index (PSI)
Overall Scores of Intelligence this professional IQ test
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale assessment also works out two overall scores of general intelligence:
- Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) is a total score of general intellectual functioning. The score is based on the integrated performance of the VCI, PRI, WMI and PSI.
- General Ability Index (GAI) based only on the VCI and PRI subtests.
Research evidence indicates that general intelligence predicts job performance and overall psychological well-being.
David Wechsler believed that cognitive processes (thinking, reasoning or remembering) made up only a part of intelligence. Subsequently, he described intelligence as the ability of people to act purposefully, think reasonably and deal effectively with their circumstances.
Based on the assessment results of this professional IQ test, our clinician will provide you with feedback and recommendations.
Assessment Sessions
The WAIS-IV intellectual assessment comprises three sessions:
- The Intake Session: Duration 60 min
- The Assessment Session: Duration 80 min
- The Feedback/Recommendation session: Duration 60 min
At the CHMC in Dubai, we offer the WAIS-IV professional IQ test which is suitable for older adolescents and adults, including those having difficulties with academic, work and daily functioning.