WISC-V

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Australian and New Zealand Standardised, Fifth Edition (WISC-VA&NZ) is an IQ test and assesses cognitive abilities in children between the ages of 6 and 16 years old. It is widely used in educational institutions to identify strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning, and to inform educational and intervention planning.

The WISC-V generates five composite scores including Verbal Comprehension (VCI), Visual Spatial Index (VSI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI).  A Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) is generated based on seven subtests: Similarities, Vocabulary, Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights, Digit Span, and Coding. When we talk about an individual’s “IQ,” we are generally referring to their FSIQ score.  You may also receive a GAI score which is similar to an FSIQ; however, it places less weight on working memory and processing speed.  Significant discrepancies between a child’s FSIQ and GAI may indicate a learning disability.

Verbal Comprehension Index measures an individual’s ability to process, assess, and apply word, or verbal, knowledge.  Questions on this section of the test assess: word knowledge acquisition, information retrieval (storing and recalling information), ability to reason/solve verbal problems, and communication of knowledge. 

Visual Spatial Index measures an individual’s ability to assess visual details and identify visual spatial relationships or patterns.  The questions on this section of the test typically ask students to construct geometric designs from a model, identify distinguishing details between two similar images, etc.

Fluid Reasoning Index measures an individual’s ability to identify relationships among visual objects.  Questions on this section of the test ask the tester to complete a matrix or series, typically a visual pattern. 

Working Memory Index measures an individual’s ability to register, maintain, recall, and manipulate both visual and auditory information during a short period of time.  Testers are provided with a series of information and asked to recall the information.  Individuals with poor working memory may require more repetition when learning new material. 

Processing Speed Index measures how quickly an individual processes new information.  Testers are given specific tasks to complete along in set amounts of time.  Individuals with slower processing speeds typically require more time to complete school work and other daily tasks.  A low Processing Speed Index indicates that a child took longer than average to complete certain tasks.  Very conscientious students, students with testing anxiety, or perfectionists often score lower on PSI regardless of how “fast” they may process information.   

 After your child completes the WISC-V, you will receive a numerical score for each index AND an age percentile rank. If you paid for a full written report, this report will include an interpretation of the results, notes on your child’s behaviour, demeaner, and response to the different sections, and recommendations for further evaluation. I highly recommend paying for and getting the written report. Having just IQ scores is not nearly as useful as the entire report. If your child scored lower on a section than you anticipated, this might be a good reason why.  You wouldn’t know that without the written report. If your child was non-cooperative, the report will note that too.  This will affect the reliability for the scores, and you may consider administering another IQ test in a few years for more reliable results if the current results prevent entry into a particular program.  Note, you cannot have your child re-take the WISC-V again in the same year as it skews the results.