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Wechsler Scales
Wechsler developed scales for assessing intellectual functions in children (WISC) as well as adults (WAIS). WAIS got revised and came in the form of WAIS-R and thereafter as WAIS-III. The total IQ comprises of the scores of Verbal and Performance IQs. Verbal IQ has two indices— verbal comprehension index and working memory index. Similarly Performance IQ includes Perceptual Organization Index and Processing Speed Index. The tests constituting these indices are listed in the table below.
| Verbal IQ |
Performance IQ |
Verbal Comprehension Index |
Working Memory Index |
Perceptual Organization Index |
Processing Speed Index |
Vocabulary |
Arithmetic |
Block Design |
Digit Symbol-Coding |
Similarities |
Digit span |
Matrix Reasoning |
Symbol Search |
Information |
Letter-Number Sequencing |
Picture Completion |
Comprehension |
Having little familiarity with WAIS, look at the video below to understand WISC.
The two popular tests for assessing intellectual functions are shown below. View these videos to understand Bhatia’s Battery of Performance Test of Intelligence and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test, respectively.
Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychology Test Battery
Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery assesses sensory-perceptual functions that are affected due to brain injury. This test enjoys the credit of facilitating conceptual models of brain-behaviour relationship. It comprises of the tests listed below.
Tests |
Description |
Speech-sounds Perception Test |
60 spoken nonsense words presented through audio player. The participant/ client/ patient have to relate these words to correct configuration presented on the test form. |
Rhythm Test |
30 pairs of rhythmic beats presented through audio player. The participant/ client/ patient have to perceive and compare different rhythmic sequences. |
Reitan-Indiana Aphasia Screening Test |
Evaluates language functions/ deficits such as reading, writing, enunciating, identifying individual numbers and letters, naming common objects, spelling simple words and performing simple arithmetic computations. |
Tactual Performance Test |
10 geometric blocks have to be fitted into matching spaces. Blindfolded participant/ client/ patient have to fit the blocks with their preferred hand. After this they do the same with their nonpreferred hand. They perform it third time using both the hands. Thereafter they are supposed to draw a diagram of the geometric space/ board along with the blocks after removal of the blindfold. |
Category Test |
It determines the ability to use both negative and positive experiences for altering and adapting the performance. One gets the idea of the participant’s/ client’s/ patient’s ability to derive abstract principles from the stimuli. |
Trail Making Test |
It has two parts— A and B. Part A consists of 25 circles numbered 1 to 25 whereas part B consists of 25 circles with numbers 1 to 13 and letters A to L. The participant/ client/ patient have to connect the circles in part A. In part B, they have to connect the circles forming altnate sequence between numbers and letters such as 1-A-2-B and so forth. |
Finger Tapping/ Oscillation Test |
The participant/ client/ patient have to tap their index finger quickly keeping hand and arm stationary. |
Beside the above listed tests Reitan-Klove Sensory-Perceptual Examination is also used for behavioural-neurologist examination (Reitan & Wolfson, 1993) wherein the two hemispheres of the brain can be compared for visual, auditory, and tactual stimuli.
One of the pioneering tests, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, is used to assess visual-motor maturity. Popularly called Bender-Gestalt test, this test can help in screening developmental disorders and neurological functions. Look at the video shown below for better understanding of this test.
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