In simple terms, the WAIS®-5 is the best test we've ever produced in the cognitive line in so many ways. There are many updates test users are going to be excited about.
One big improvement was bringing the test structure in line with modern intelligence theory and findings about how cognitive abilities break out. We now have a five-factor model similar to that of WISC®–V. To move to that model, we had to improve the measurement and the interpretive clarity of fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. All three of those have better construct coverage and improved interpretive aspects of those abilities. We know from research and literature that those three areas are clinically important constructs that are crucial to understanding how a person solves problems.
I'm excited about the new possibilities for supporting patients who have exceptionalities like motor or language concerns because we now have composite scores to accommodate those exceptionalities. Previously when evaluating someone with motor problems, you could have five subtests but not be able to calculate the FSIQ due to concerns about how their motor challenges could have impacted the results.
We also have a built-in solution for remote assessment with the new Nonmotor Index. For that index, you do not use physical manipulatives, so that makes it well-suited for remote administration if it is needed. We created this index with that in mind, so it is also covered in the manual and in our telepractice guidance document.
I'm also excited about the 15 new ancillary index scores now available. The expanded index scores will meet a big need for customers. I often get asked what to do if two subtests in an index score are really discrepant. The literature says that we know that those index scores are still predictive of functioning. As clinicians, we want to dig in and really understand that ability and it can be hard to know their true ability and feel confident in the results. With the expanded index scores, you can feel more confident about your understanding of a person’s ability in the area where you saw discrepant results.
One major innovation on the WAIS-5 is the new start points for intellectual giftedness. Although we don’t often focus on gifted assessment for ages 16–90, we know that people will greatly appreciate the ability to test gifted adults in a reasonable amount of time. This innovation has a lot of promise for future applications as well as other products we are updating at Pearson.
I can’t wait to have customers read Chapter 2 of the WAIS-5 Technical Manual. We really articulate the Wechsler theoretical framework better than we have on past tests. This will set the stage for a lot more clarity about the theory behind the tests in the Wechsler line. There are people out there that think the Wechsler products are just based on a theory, but David Wechsler also wrote a lot about other things. He was very interested in concepts around neuropsychology and factor analysis. We are thrilled to share more about how the integration of the information collected in our assessments and how things are expressed work together, and how different models can be used to better understand a clinician’s findings.
We updated all the verbal items to match current language usage. Since the last edition of the WAIS, there have been a lot of changes in our culture, historical events, societal trends and developments that impact the way verbal items are answered.
What will you be most excited about? Order WAIS-5 today and find out!