Dr. Vincent Greenwood, Executive Director

Treatment for Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties

In Washington, DC ●  Since 1982

Test Descriptions

Description of Subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III)

Information    

The Information subtest consists of 28 questions aimed at determining how much general knowledge the client has accumulated from their environment.  This subtest reflects:

• ability to learn and recall facts

• intellectual curiosity

• quality of education

• alertness to the environment

Vocabulary

The Vocabulary subtest requires the client to try to define up to 33 words.  This subtest assesses the client’s understanding of words and reflects:

• language

• expressive language skills

• cultural and educational experiences

• ability to use words appropriately

Similarities

This subtest consists of 19 pairs of words.  The client is asked to reflect on the qualitative relationship between the two words.  This subtest reflects:

• abstract thinking skills

• concept formation skills

• verbal reasoning

•  logic

Arithmetic

This subtest consists of 20 timed arithmetic problems to be solved without the use of pencil and paper. This subtest measures:

• numerical reasoning skills

• sequential processing skills

• working memory

• comfort and skill with numbers

Digit Span

In this subtest, clients are asked to repeat a series of numbers forward and backward.  This task reflects:

• auditory short-term memory

• attention skills

• memory retrieval

• persistence

Comprehension 

The Comprehension subtest consists of questions in which the clilent expresses judgments and insights related to social situations.  The Comprehension Subtest reflects:

• practical, problem-solving skills

• social intelligence

• understanding of responsibility

 Picture Completion

This subtest consists of 25 pictures and asks the client to try and identify the missing element in the picture.  This subtest measures:

• visual and social alertness skills

•  spatial perception

• visual imagery and recognition skills

Digit Symbol

 In this subtest individuals are asked to record associations between different symbols and numbers within time limits.  This subtest reflects: 

•  psychomotor speed

•  ability to absorb new material

•  visual sequencing

• drive for achievement

Matrix Reasoning

This is a nonverbal reasoning task in which individuals are asked to identify patterns in designs.  This subtest assesses:

• broad visual intelligence

• perceptual organization skills

• perseverance

Block Design

This subtest consists of two-dimensional designs which the client tries to copy using three dimensional blocks.  This subtest can reflect: 

• visual-motor skills

• ability to analyze geometric patterns

• part-whole recognition skills

Description of The Wide Range Achievement Test-3 (WRAT-3)

The WRAT-3 is an individually administered test of academic achievement.  It measure academic skills in individuals from 5 to 75 years of age. 

The WRAT-3 consists of three subtests:

•  Reading

  • Measures the abilities to recognize and name letters and pronounce words

• Spelling

  • Measures the capacities to write one’s name, write individual letters and to spell words read aloud by the evaluator and used in sentences (oral spelling of words is not allowed).

• Arithmetic

  • Measures the abilities to count, read numbers aloud, solve orally presented arithmetic problems, and to complete a series of written computational problems (the written part of the arithmetic section has a time limit of 15 minutes).