Interpreting Clinically Derived WISC-R Subtest Groupings: A Statistical Approach

Abstract

In recent years, psychologists have proposed a variety of Wechsler scale subtest recategorizations to aid practitioners in their approach to cognitive profile analysis. For the most part, subtest regroupings on the Wechsler scales have been clinically derived, with the exception of the three WISC-R factors scores. The present paper introduces information that clinicians may use to calculate standardized deviation quotients and standard errors of measurement for selected subtest groupings. In addition, data for determining significant discrepances between pairs of subtest combinations are introduced. The material presented should lead to a more statistically accurate interpretation of WISC-R profiles than more clinically oriented methods.