WAIS—R Validation of the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness

Abstract

This preliminary study evaluated the concurrent validity of the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness as a brief intelligence test using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised as the criterion of adult intellectual achievement. Analyses indicated that the Total score on Thurstone's test was significantly correlated with the standard summary scores as well as with the WAIS—R factor scores. On the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness scores could accurately predict WAIS—R intelligence for this nonclinical sample of 32 undergraduates. The concurrent validity of the test as a brief intelligence test was inferred and the results were consistent with the range of correlations expected among all measures of global intellectual achievement. Reading comprehension was suggested as a principal factor attenuating the correlation between the two tests.