A comparison of black and white children's WISC/WISC-R differences

Administered the WISC and WISC-R to 20 white child psychiatric out-patients in a counterbalanced design. The white Ss' WISC/WISC-R differences were compared to equivalent data obtained from black children (Munford, 1978). For the white Ss, no differences were found between WISC and WISC-R Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs, whereas black children scored significantly lower on the WISC-R than on the WISC on all three IQ measures. These findings indicate increased cultural bias in the WISC-R, despite apparent efforts to produce contrary results. A possible reason for this seemingly paradoxical outcome is offered, and future research possibilities are suggested.