The influence of IQ Stratification on WAIS–III/WMS–III FSIQ–General Memory Index discrepancy base-rates in the standardization sample

Abstract

Since memory performance expectations may be IQ-based, unidirectional base rate data for IQ-Memory Score discrepancies are provided in the WAIS–III/WMS–III Technical Manual. The utility of these data partially rests on the assumption that discrepancy base rates do not vary across ability levels. FSIQ stratified base rate data generated from the standardization sample, however, demonstrate substantial variability across the IQ spectrum. A superiority of memory score over FSIQ is typical at lower IQ levels, whereas the converse is true at higher IQ levels. These data indicate that the use of IQ–memory score unstratified “simple difference” tables could lead to erroneous conclusions for clients with low or high IQ. IQ stratified standardization base rate data are provided as a complement to the “predicted difference” method detailed in the Technical Manual. (JINS, 2001, 7, 875–880.)