The Wechsler Intelligence Scales
The Wechsler Intelligence Scales
Overview
The Wechsler intelligence scales were developed by Dr. David Wechsler, a clinical psychologist with Bellevue Hospital. His initial test, the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale, was published in 1939 and was designed to measure intellectual performance by adults. Wechsler constructed the WBIS based on his observation that, at the time, existing intelligence tests for adults were merely adaptations of tests for children and had little face validity for older age groups.
Since 1939, three scales have been developed and subsequently revised, to measure intellectual functioning of children and adults. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) is intended for use with adults. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III) is designed for children ages 6 - 16, while the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-R (WPPSI-R) is designed for children age 4 - 6 1/2 years.
Definition of Intelligence
Wechsler defined intelligence as an individual's ability to adapt and constructively solve problems in the environment. It is significant that Wechsler viewed intelligence not in terms of capacity, but rather, in terms of performance. That is, the Wechsler scales are not purported to measure one's quantity of intelligence, but instead measures one's intellectual performance. The rationale for conceptualizing intelligence as a performance variable is that it does not really matter how much intelligence one has, in order to adapt to the environment. What matters is how well one uses his/her intelligence. Also, since intellectual capacity cannot be seen nor its existence concretely verified, it cannot be reliably measured. Performance can be measured and, thus, should be the focus of the test. Although Wechsler has written much to support this position, other intelligence developers have taken essentially the same position regarding the nature of intelligence. Most major intelligence tests,
Overview
The Wechsler intelligence scales were developed by Dr. David Wechsler, a clinical psychologist with Bellevue Hospital. His initial test, the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale, was published in 1939 and was designed to measure intellectual performance by adults. Wechsler constructed the WBIS based on his observation that, at the time, existing intelligence tests for adults were merely adaptations of tests for children and had little face validity for older age groups.
Since 1939, three scales have been developed and subsequently revised, to measure intellectual functioning of children and adults. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) is intended for use with adults. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III (WISC-III) is designed for children ages 6 - 16, while the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-R (WPPSI-R) is designed for children age 4 - 6 1/2 years.
Definition of Intelligence
Wechsler defined intelligence as an individual's ability to adapt and constructively solve problems in the environment. It is significant that Wechsler viewed intelligence not in terms of capacity, but rather, in terms of performance. That is, the Wechsler scales are not purported to measure one's quantity of intelligence, but instead measures one's intellectual performance. The rationale for conceptualizing intelligence as a performance variable is that it does not really matter how much intelligence one has, in order to adapt to the environment. What matters is how well one uses his/her intelligence. Also, since intellectual capacity cannot be seen nor its existence concretely verified, it cannot be reliably measured. Performance can be measured and, thus, should be the focus of the test. Although Wechsler has written much to support this position, other intelligence developers have taken essentially the same position regarding the nature of intelligence. Most major intelligence tests,