The utility of the modified WAIS in a clinical setting

Utilized time-saving WAIS scoring procedures in two ex post facto investigations following approaches outlined by Vincent (1979) and Himelstein (1983). These procedures direct an examiner to use an S's results on the Information subtest as a criterion for determining the point of initial questioning on other scales. Study 1 followed exactly the procedure presented by Himelstein (1983), with an obtained correlation between modified WAIS and WAIS Verbal IQ of .993. In spite of the high correlation, however, significant distortion in results occurred for some Ss, Study 2 integrated and modified slightly the methodologies of Vincent (1979) and Himelstein (1983). Obtained correlations between modified WAIS and WAIS Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs (N = 40) were each .998. The percentage of IQs that differed by more than 2 points between Modified WAIS and WAIS for Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scores was 0%, 5%, and 2.5%, respectively. In addition, the procedure maintained the integrity of subscale configurations.