WISC-V Subtests and Scores
A guide to Using the Table
WISC-V Subtests and Types of Scores
The WISC-V (Wechsler, 2014a) offers several new subtests, a new arrangement of index scores, and myriad score options. These changes and the associated terminology are new to those of us who have used the WISC-IV (more so for those of us who used the 1949 WISC [Wechsler, 1949]). The following tables outline the WISC-V subtests, composites, and scores. Any errors here were made by us, not by the PsychCorp or Pearson Education or its affiliates, who hold the copyrights and trademarks for “WISC,” “WISC-IV,” “WISC-V,” the Psi and PsychCorp designs, and, of course, the entire contents of the WISC-V. The information in these tables is adapted from Wechsler (2014a, 2014b, 2014c) and Wechsler, Raiford, and Holdnack (2014).
The summary table we have created summarizes the various types of scores (scaled, standard, base rate) available for each subtest and process subtest.
First Column
Subtests (e.g., Similarities) are listed in bold uppercase and lowercase print.
Additional “process” subtests (e.g., Block Design No Time Bonus) are indented in shaded rows, and are printed in uppercase and lowercase. None of these subtests can be used in any composite score.
Complementary composites (e.g., NAMING SPEED) are listed in all uppercase print and are underscored.
Second Column
FSIQ indicates the seven subtests that are included in the Full Scale IQ. (A single substitution is permitted in the Full Scale IQ and it must be a subtest in the same composite, subject to some additional substitution rules.) The FSIQ subtests allow computation of the FSIQ and Verbal Comprehension and Fluid Reasoning composites.
P indicates the three additional Primary subtests in the Visual Spatial, Working Memory, and Processing Speed composites that are used with the FSIQ subtests to derive all five Primary Index scores. (No substitutions are permitted for composite Index scores.)
S indicates Secondary subtests that can be used for additional information and one of which can be substituted in the Full Scale IQ for a Primary subtest in the same composite, subject to some additional substitution rules. (Only one substitution is permitted in the FSIQ and none in the composites.)
C indicates Complementary subtests and composites that can be used to provide additional information. These subtests are never included in the FSIQ or primary composites.
Type of Score
Scaled A check in the Scaled score column indicates that the WISC-V provides a scaled score with a mean of 10 and standard deviation of 3 for the subtest.
Standard A check in the Standard score column indicates that the WISC-V provides a standard score with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 for the subtest. You will see that the Complementary subtests are reported in standard scores, not scaled scores.
Base Rate A check in the Base Rate column indicates that the WISC-V provides a base rate for scores or other measures (e.g., Longest Digit Span Forward correctly repeated by the examinee) on the subtest. Base rates reflect the frequency of scores or differences between scores in the WISC-V norming sample (or in selected segments of the total sample, such as different ability levels as measured by the FSIQ). Base rates answer the question, “How unusual or how uncommon is such a high score or such a large difference? For example, according to Table C.17, p. 118, in the WISC-V Administration and Scoring Manual Supplement (Wechsler, 2014c), 91.5% of ten-year-olds correctly repeated 5 digits in the same order they had been dictated, but only 18.5% repeated 5 digits in correct reversed order. However, according to Table C.19, p. 123, that zero difference between 5 digits forward and 5 digits backward was very common: 98.5% of the ten-year-olds in the norming sample.
Specific Process Observations Base Rate
Many of the subtests provide additional “Process” observations to enhance the clinical value of the WISC-V assessment. These observations are quantified as base rates in the WISC-V Technical and Interpretive Manual (Wechsler, 2014c, Appendix D).
DK Examinee responds that he or she does not know the answer or solution (marked each time on the Record Form as RR).
NR Examinee gives no response (marked each time on the Record Form as NR).
Rep Examiner repeats the item (marked each time on the Record Form as IR).
Req Rep Examinee requests repetition of an item, but item is not repeated because of subtest rules (marked each time on the Record Form as IR).
Sub Voc Examinee can be heard to subvocalize (whispers to herself or himself about the item while working) (marked each time on the Record Form as SV).
SC Examinee spontaneously corrects his or her own error (marked each time on the Record Form as SC).
Bibliography
Wechsler, D. (1949). Wechsler intelligence scale for children. New York, NY: The Psychological Corporation. (WISC)
Wechsler, D. (1974). Wechsler intelligence scale for children‑‑Revised. New York, NY: The Psychological Corporation. (WISC‑R)
Wechsler, D. (1991). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (3rd ed.). San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation. (WISC-III)
Wechsler, D. (2003). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (4th ed.). San Antonio, TX: Pearson. (WISC-IV)
Wechsler, D. (2014a). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (5th ed.): Administration and scoring manual. Bloomington, MN: Pearson. (WISC-V)
Wechsler, D. (2014b). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (5th ed.): Administration and scoring manual supplement. Bloomington, MN: Pearson. (WISC-V)
Wechsler, D. (2014c). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (5th ed.): Technical and interpretive manual. Bloomington, MN: Pearson. (WISC-V)
Wechsler, D., Raiford, S. E., & Holdnack, J. A. (2014). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (5th ed.): Technical and interpretive manual supplement: Special group validity studies with other measures and additional tables. Bloomington, MN: Pearson. Retrieved from http://downloads.pearsonclinical.com/images/Assets/WISC-V/WISC-V-Tech-Manual-Supplement.pdf