Wechsler Test Wechsler Ethical and Cultural Considerations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In high-stakes settings like death penalty cases, why is accurate Wechsler interpretation especially critical?
- It determines the examiner's fee
- Small score differences can affect legal eligibility decisions (Correct answer)
- It shortens the trial
- It is required for jury selection
Correct answer: Small score differences can affect legal eligibility decisions
In cases involving intellectual disability determinations, a few IQ points near a cutoff can carry profound legal consequences.
Question 2: A psychologist tests a deaf client using standard verbal Wechsler subtests without accommodation. This violates which principle?
- Test brevity
- Fairness and appropriate accommodation for disabilities (Correct answer)
- Profit maximization
- Random sampling
Correct answer: Fairness and appropriate accommodation for disabilities
Examinees with sensory disabilities require appropriate accommodations to ensure fair and valid assessment.
Question 3: When reporting Wechsler results to a non-psychologist parent, the examiner should:
- Use technical jargon only
- Explain results in understandable, non-stigmatizing language (Correct answer)
- Withhold all findings
- Report only the lowest subtest score
Correct answer: Explain results in understandable, non-stigmatizing language
Feedback should be communicated clearly and respectfully so recipients can understand and use the information.
Question 4: Acculturation level is important in Wechsler interpretation because:
- It changes the test's price
- It can influence performance on culturally loaded subtests (Correct answer)
- It determines testing room temperature
- It has no effect on scores
Correct answer: It can influence performance on culturally loaded subtests
Degree of acculturation affects familiarity with item content and can influence scores on verbal and knowledge-based subtests.
Question 5: A clinician keeps detailed records of a Wechsler administration. The ethical purpose is primarily to:
- Increase billing
- Support accountability, continuity of care, and verification of findings (Correct answer)
- Avoid talking to the client
- Replace informed consent
Correct answer: Support accountability, continuity of care, and verification of findings
Accurate documentation supports professional accountability, future care, and the ability to substantiate conclusions.
Question 6: Using a qualified interpreter during Wechsler administration requires the examiner to:
- Let the interpreter score the test independently
- Recognize that interpretation may still affect validity and note it in the report (Correct answer)
- Assume scores are perfectly comparable to norms
- Skip nonverbal subtests entirely
Correct answer: Recognize that interpretation may still affect validity and note it in the report
Even with a trained interpreter, translation can affect validity, so this limitation should be documented in interpretation.
Question 7: Which statement reflects ethical use of Wechsler scores across cultures?
- IQ scores are universally valid regardless of background
- Scores should be interpreted alongside cultural and contextual factors (Correct answer)
- Only Western examinees should be tested
- Cultural factors should be ignored for objectivity
Correct answer: Scores should be interpreted alongside cultural and contextual factors
Responsible interpretation integrates cultural and contextual factors rather than treating scores as context-free.
Wechsler Test Wechsler Ethical and Cultural Considerations 3
In high-stakes settings like death penalty cases, why is accurate Wechsler interpretation especially critical?