The Factor Structure of the WAIS-R: Replicability Across Age-Groups

This article examines the factor structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Revised across nine age groups using several methods of factor analysis, including reliable component analysis (RCA). RCA defines orthogonal components which have maximum reliability, and has several desirable properties which are discussed. Although the one- factor model (General Intelligence, or g), and the two-factor model (Verbal and Performance) of the WAIS-R are fairly well established. no such consensus has been reached regarding the three-factor model (Verbal Comprehension. Perceptual Organization, and Freedom from Distractibility). In the present study, g and Verbal and Performance factors were consistent across age groups for most methods of extraction, although somewhat different from the usual division. The three-factor model, however, was not consistently identified across age groups by any method, particularly with respect to Freedom from Distractibility. Meaningful interpretation of scores on this factor is therefore tenuous. RCA performed well, relative to most other methods, in identifying factors consistently across age groups and can provide useful and unique information.