WISC

WISC stands for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, an individually administered test designed to assess a child’s cognitive abilities and provide an estimate of general intellectual functioning. Developed by David Wechsler, the test has undergone several revisions, including WISC-R, WISC-III, WISC-IV, and the current WISC-V. The instrument is commonly used with children aged 6 years to 16 years, and in many settings is published by Pearson.

Administration and structure: The WISC-V is administered one-on-one by a trained examiner and typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. It yields a Full Scale IQ and five primary index scores: Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. An optional General Ability Index and additional composite scores can be computed from subsets of subtests. Scores are norm-referenced, with standard scores centered around a mean of 100 and a typical standard deviation of 15.

Uses and interpretation: The WISC is used for educational planning, clinical assessment, and disability determinations. It helps describe a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, supports diagnoses related to learning disabilities, developmental concerns, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and giftedness, and informs intervention and placement decisions. Interpretation is conducted by qualified psychologists who integrate test results with background information, achievement data, and behavioral observations.

Limitations and considerations: WISC results reflect cognitive processes assessed by the test and can be affected by language, culture, education, motivation, and test-taking experience. The test is not a sole measure of intelligence and should be interpreted within a comprehensive evaluation that considers diverse factors and uses multiple sources of information.