8/17/2019 Wais 3 Interpretation Performance
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Interpreting the WAIS-III – PERFORMANCE SUBTESTS
WAIS-III Interpretation-Performance EDU.doc 3/5/07 Average
Score = 10 in each subtest. Scores below 8 show significant
deficitsJ. Kirst based on Essentials of WAIS-III Assessment
PerformanceSubtests
Abil it ies Measured Notes
MATRIXREASONING(cont.)
Learning abilityMental flexibility – developing new strategy on
demand
Ability to work without feedback – independence of
actionNon-verbal problem solving with no time limit
Low score indicates difficulty in settingsrequiring perception
and decision-makingwith complex visual details
PICTURE ARRANGEMENTStudent sequencesgroups of pictures
totell storiesTIMED TEST
Visual perception of meaningful informationDistinguishing
essential from non-essential detailsUnderstanding of social
situations
Fluid non-verbal reasoningIntegrated brain functioning (items
represent social settings)Simultaneous processing – 3 to 6 pictures
for each storyPlanning a taskCommon sense (cause-effect
relationships)Social judgment (social intelligence)Mental
processing speedVisual sequencing
Anticipating consequences
Affected by vision impairmentsOK for non-verbal or
non-English
proficient Students Affected by ability to work under
timepressure
Affected by cultural opportunitiesLow score indicates
difficulty withsequencing events and understandingsocial
settings
SYMBOL SEARCH60 Paired groups ofsymbols. Studentmarks Yes or
Noindicating whethertarget symbols are in
group of symbolsTIMED TEST
Visual processing speed (Timed Test)Planning – systematically
examining itemsFluid reasoning – developing new strategy on
demandMental alertness – Attention, focus, concentrationLearning
abilityShort-term visual memory
Mental processing speedPaper and pencil (clerical) skills
Affected by vision impairmentsOK for non-verbal or
non-Englishproficient Students
Affected by anxiety & distractibility Affected by
persistence – giving up Affected by ability to work under
timepressure
Low score indicates difficulty in perceivingdetails and making
quick, independent
judgments
OBJECT ASSEMBLY Optional puzzle test
TIMED TEST
Visual perceptionFluid intelligence – ability to learn from
trial & errorNon-verbal reasoning speed
Low score indicates difficulty in settingsrequiring quick and
accurate itemassembly
by Kaufman & Lichtenberger, 1999
