Wechsler Working Memory Index Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following cognitive abilities is primarily assessed by the Working Memory Index (WMI) on the Wechsler scales?

Accepted Answer

The ability to temporarily hold and manipulate auditory and visual information.

Answer

Long-term retrieval of factual knowledge.

Answer

The speed and accuracy of visual scanning and discrimination.

Answer

Nonverbal fluid reasoning and problem-solving.

Question 2

An examiner administers the WISC-V to a 10-year-old child. The child obtains a significantly lower score on the Working Memory Index (WMI) compared to their Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Visual Spatial Index (VSI). This discrepancy most likely suggests the child may have difficulty with which of the following tasks?

Accepted Answer

Following multi-step instructions given orally.

Answer

Understanding complex social cues.

Answer

Defining vocabulary words.

Answer

Assembling a block design from a model.

Question 3

The core subtests that are typically used to derive the Working Memory Index (WMI) on the WISC-V are:

Accepted Answer

Digit Span and Picture Span

Answer

Vocabulary and Similarities

Answer

Block Design and Visual Puzzles

Answer

Coding and Symbol Search

Question 4

A psychologist notes that an adult client's performance on the WAIS-IV is highly sensitive to anxiety, particularly on tasks requiring sustained concentration and mental manipulation. Which index score is most likely to be negatively affected by the client's anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory Index (WMI)

Answer

Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)

Answer

Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)

Answer

Processing Speed Index (PSI)

Question 5

Which statement accurately describes a key function measured by the Working Memory Index (WMI)?

Accepted Answer

It evaluates cognitive flexibility and the ability to resequence information mentally.

Answer

It measures the efficiency of retrieving information from long-term storage.

Answer

It assesses the ability to generate creative, novel solutions to problems.

Answer

It provides a pure measure of auditory processing, independent of attention.

Question 6

When interpreting the Wechsler scales, a significant discrepancy between the General Ability Index (GAI) and the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), where the GAI is significantly higher, often points to a relative weakness in which two areas?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory and Processing Speed

Answer

Verbal Comprehension and Visual Spatial reasoning

Answer

Fluid Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning

Answer

Long-term memory and verbal expression