WAIS-IV and WISC-IV Structural Validity

Abstract

Weiss, Keith, Zhu, and Chen (2013a) and Weiss, Keith, Zhu, and Chen (2013b), this issue, report examinations of the factor structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), respectively; comparing Wechsler Hierarchical Model (W-HM) and Cattell–Horn–Carroll Hierarchical Model (CHC-HM), subtest cross-loadings, and factorial invariance between clinical and normative groups from the respective standardizations. Both studies suffer from a number of theoretical, methodological, and practical problems that significantly limit conclusions and recommendations for practitioner interpretations of these instruments. Additional analyses and research are required to better inform practitioners for WAIS-IV and WISC-IV use.