Matters of Consequence: An Empirical Investigation of the WAIS-III and WAIS-IV and Implications for Addressing the Atkins Intelligence Criterion

• NCJ Number: 241983
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: January - February 2013 Pages: 27-48
• Author(s): Gordon E. Taub, Ph.D.; Nicholas Benson, Ph.D.
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Measurement/Evaluation Device
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested the measurement and scoring models of the WAIS-III and the WAIS-IV.

Abstract

"Which test provides the better measurement of intelligence, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)?" is an important question to professional psychologists; however, it has become a critical issue in Atkins cases wherein courts are often presented with divergent Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores on the WAIS-III and WAIS-IV. In these instances, courts are required to render a decision stating which test provided the better measure of an inmate's intellectual functioning. This study employed structural equation modeling to empirically determine which instrument; the WAIS-III or the WAIS-IV, provides the better measure of intelligence via the FSIQ score. Consistent with the publisher's representation of intellectual functioning, the results from this study indicate the WAIS-IV provides superior measurement, scoring, and structural models to measure FSIQ when compared to the WAIS-III. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.