WISC is designed as a comprehensive measure of cognitive ability for preschoolers (normally administered in ages between 7-16 years old). The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Revised (WPPSI-R) is one of the major instruments for assessing the cognitive capability of young children. Similar to its predecessor, the WPPSI-R is separate and distinct from, although similar in form and content to, the WISC-R. The intelligence test is used by practitioners as an instrument in clinical researchers in the field of assessing children’s cognitive ability (Cohen, 1997).
WISC was developed by Dr. David Wechsler (1974); he designed several other intelligence tests made up of items that are appropriate and base on the age ranges of the participants. The administration of the test usually takes sixty -five (65) to eighty (80) minutes to conduct and results to an IQ score reflecting the child’s cognitive ability. The test’s purpose is not only limited to intelligence measure, but it is also used to diagnose attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities because the subset administered in the test battery (Cohen, 1997). The test can also be used as a mean to compare a child’s performance in school and child’s intelligence to determine other factors that may contribute in the discrepancy in performance including the child’s emotional view of school. The test battery offers the ability to measure the different aspects of intelligence such as vocabulary, similarities, comprehension, word reasoning and perceptual reasoning. The test contains ten other subsets each subsets offer an impact in assessing the child’s IQ level.
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
The Stanford - Binet test is designed by Lewis Terman and his co-workers from the Stanford University. It is named as such as a sign of respect for the contribution of Alfred Binet and his work in children’s development. The primary purpose of the test is to measure the level of intelligence and/ or a possible retardation of the client. The test is widely used to diagnose problems and to identify the gifted children. The development of the test spearheaded the modern field of intelligence testing. The scores in the test have been preferred as a measurement device in institutions such as mental health clinics, agencies and hospitals. The tool is also used in school’s placement in the determining the presence of possible presence of learning disability. The test can also be used to track intellectual development (Ruf, 2003).
In addition, it is included in neuropsychological testing to assess the functions of the brain of individuals with neurological impairments. The test provides to measures the IQ and mental age. The test is administered individually; many aspects of the tests require oral responses from the participant or the manipulation of materials. The Standford-Binet Intelligence Scale measures both verbal and non-verbal capability of the participant. The test is grouped depending on age levels. The intelligence Scale is compose of test made for subjects ranging from two years old to eighteen and older. In the instrument, it provides valid and reliable measurements for the retarded, the normal and the gifted. (Ruf, 2003)
References:
Cohen, M.. Children's memory scale. San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.1997
Ruf, D. L. Use of the SB5 in the Assessment of High Abilities. Itasca, IL: Riverside Publishing Company. 2003
