Hierarchical Factor Structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

Abstract

A Wherry-Wherry (1969) hierarchical factor analysis was performed on WISC subtest intercorrelations reported by Wechsler (1949). An hierarchical ability arrangement congruent with Vernon's (1950) structural paradigm was obtained. A strong general factor (g) was defined by positive loadings from all subtests and two relatively weak subgeneral factors; a subgeneral factor corresponding to Vernon's (1950) verbal-educational (v:ed) factor was defined by the verbal subtests and another by the performance sub-rests. The latter seemed to correspond to the spatial-perceptual (k:m) factor of Vernon's (1950) paradigm. These data not only provided strong support for the construct validity of the WISC as a measure of g but also provided some conditional support for Wechsler's (1949) decision to maintain separate verbal and performance IQs.