Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
05:19
Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment
Published on: June 1, 2015
15.6K
Effects of altered instructions on WAIS-III Digit Symbol-coding subtest
F F Ryan1, S D Schnakenberg, D S Kreiner
1Department of Psychology and Counselor Education, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg 64093, USA.
Psychological Reports
|October 13, 2001
Summary
Modifying instructions for the WAIS-III Digit Symbol Coding test did not improve college students' scores. The study found no significant performance difference when time limits were explicitly stated.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuropsychological Assessment
Background:
- The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment tool.
- The Digit Symbol Coding subtest measures processing speed and psychomotor abilities.
- Instructional clarity can influence test performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if modifying instructions for the WAIS-III Digit Symbol Coding subtest, by including the time limit, enhances participant performance.
- To determine the impact of explicit time-based instructions on subtest scores.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 104 college students participated in the study.
- Participants completed the WAIS-III Digit Symbol Coding subtest under two conditions: standard instructions and modified instructions (including time limit).
- Mean scores between the two conditions were compared.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores of the Digit Symbol Coding subtest between the standard and modified instruction groups.
- The inclusion of time limits in the instructions did not lead to a performance increment.
Conclusions:
- Explicitly stating the time limit in the WAIS-III Digit Symbol Coding subtest instructions does not appear to significantly impact performance in college students.
- Standard administration protocols for this subtest are likely sufficient for this population.
