Correlations of the Kahn Intelligence Test and the WAIS--R IQs among mentally retarded adults

Correlations of scores on the WAIS--R and Kahn Intelligence Test: Experimental (KIT) were examined. The 21 subjects were moderately and severely adaptively impaired adults. The WAIS--R is frequently included in the evaluation of moderately and severely retarded adults but its use has been questioned given the problem of statistical floor because institutionalized mentally retarded adults were excluded from the standardization sample. Tasks demand verbal communication and timed performance. The KIT is utilized as a test of intelligence that requires limited verbal skills, is less influenced by cultural/educational factors, and has an adequate statistical floor. Results suggested significantly lower mean scores on the KIT than on WAIS--R. If further evidence supports these conclusions, the KIT may be a valuable instrument in the assessment of moderately and severely retarded adults.