WPPSI - Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Index Score Interpretation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 6-year-old child's WPPSI-IV scores show a Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) of 120 and a Processing Speed Index (PSI) of 85.
The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) is calculated to be 102.
Which statement represents the most accurate interpretation of these results?

Accepted Answer

The General Ability Index (GAI) should be considered as a more interpretable estimate of the child's reasoning abilities.

Answer

The child has a learning disability due to the 35-point difference between the VCI and PSI.

Answer

The FSIQ of 102 is the best and most reliable summary of the child's overall cognitive ability.

Answer

The child's true ability is closer to the VCI of 120, and the PSI score should be disregarded as an outlier.

Question 2

An examiner is reviewing a child's WPPSI-IV results and wants to evaluate the efficiency with which the child processes cognitive information. Which ancillary index score, derived from the Working Memory and Processing Speed subtests, provides this specific estimate?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI)

Answer

General Ability Index (GAI)

Answer

Nonverbal Index (NVI)

Answer

Vocabulary Acquisition Index (VAI)

Question 3

When interpreting a 25-point difference between a child's Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Visual Spatial Index (VSI), what piece of information is most critical for determining if this discrepancy is clinically unusual?

Accepted Answer

The base rate of this difference in the normative sample.

Answer

The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) score.

Answer

The child's performance on the supplemental subtests.

Answer

The standard error of measurement for each index.

Question 4

A 5-year-old's WPPSI-IV profile shows a VCI of 115, FRI of 118, WMI of 88, and PSI of 90. This specific pattern, where reasoning abilities are significantly higher than cognitive efficiency, most strongly suggests that the child:

Accepted Answer

possesses strong cognitive reasoning abilities that may not be fully apparent in tasks requiring significant mental efficiency.

Answer

has a primary and significant deficit in nonverbal, fluid reasoning.

Answer

exhibits a globally consistent and unitary cognitive profile across all domains.

Answer

has an underlying language disorder that is depressing all cognitive functions.

Question 5

A psychologist notes that a child has a significantly lower Visual Spatial Index (VSI) compared to their Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), which is in the Superior range. This specific pattern indicates a:

Accepted Answer

relative weakness in nonverbal reasoning, analysis of visual details, and visual-motor skills.

Answer

global delay in cognitive development affecting all areas of functioning.

Answer

specific deficit in the ability to process simple information quickly and efficiently.

Answer

strength in understanding part-whole relationships and spatial visualization.

Question 6

A 4-year-old child obtains a Working Memory Index (WMI) score of 68, while all other primary index scores are in the Average range (90-109). This isolated and significant deficit is most likely to manifest in the child's difficulty with which of the following real-world tasks?

Accepted Answer

Following multi-step classroom instructions.

Answer

Completing a familiar jigsaw puzzle.

Answer

Explaining the rules of a simple game.

Answer

Quickly pointing to a target picture in a search group.