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What Each WAIS IV Subtest Measures
What Each WAIS IV Subtest Measures
Digit Retention: Central subtest of the Working Memory index, composed of three
tasks: Direct (DOD), Inverse (DOI) and Sequencing (DS). DOD involves short-term
information coding, attention coding and auditory processing. Skills for DOI include
working memory, information transformation, mental manipulation and visuospatial
imagination. Like the previous DS tasks, it requires working memory and verbal
manipulation of information.
Reasoning Matrices: Central subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning index. The skills
related to this subtest are fluid intelligence, visual intelligence, classification and
spatial ability, knowledge of the part-whole relationship, simultaneous processing and
perceptual organization.
Vocabulary: Central subtest of the Verbal Comprehension index. This task is designed
to measure word knowledge and verbal concept formation. Other skills involved are
listening comprehension and verbal expression.
Arithmetic: Central subtest of the Working Memory Index. Performing this task
requires skills in mental manipulation, attention, short and long term memory and
numerical reasoning.
Symbol Search: Central subtest of the Processing Speed index. In addition to the
ability involved in the index, this subtest involves visual short-term memory, visual-
motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, visual discrimination, psychomotor speed,
speed in mental operations and attention.
Visual Puzzles: Central subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning Index. The tasks to be
performed require non-verbal reasoning and skills to analyze and synthesize abstract
visual stimuli.
Key: Central subtest of the Processing Speed Index. In addition to measuring the
ability described in the index, this subtest involves visual short-term memory, learning,
psychomotor speed, visual perception, visual-motor coordination, visual exploration,
cognitive flexibility, attention and motivation.
Scales: Supplementary subtest of the Perceptual Reasoning Index for ages 16 years 0
months to 69 years 11 months. The design of this subtest allows measuring analogical
and quantitative reasoning. Quantitative reasoning is expressed mathematically,
emphasizing deductive and inductive logic.
Cancellation: Supplemental subtest of the Processing Speed Index for ages 16 years 0
months to 69 years 11 months. The skills measured are processing speed, focused
visual attention, perceptual speed and visual-motor ability. In clinical neuropsychology
it is useful for measuring visual neglect, response inhibition and motor perseveration.