A literature review of factor analytic studies of the WAIS-R

Abstract

Wechsler's intelligence scales long have been subjected to factor analytic studies in an effort to describe the components of measurable human intelligence. Most authors have extracted a general factor g, as well as a Verbal Comprehension factor, Perceptual Organization factor, and Memory/Freedom from Distractibility factor from a two‐ or three‐factor solution. This article reviews the factor analytic studies done on the 1981 WAIS‐R standardization sample and various patient samples in an effort to update and continue to tie together the findings on Wechsler's scales across ages and populations. We conclude that although the results of the WAIS‐R factor analytic studies reviewed depend upon the statistical approach employed as well as each investigator's theoretical perspective, a three‐factor solution appears to provide a source of hypotheses about an individual's or a select sample's unique abilities and weaknesses worthy of further exploration.

Factor analysis of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale-revised (WAIS-R) in a brain-damaged sample

“…The Factor 2 subtest grouping constitutes the familiar Verbal Comprehension factor that consistently appears in WAIS-R studies of normal and patient samples (Leckliter et al, 1986). Factor 3 accounted for 9.9% of the variance and is composed of Digit Span and Arithmetic.…”

“…Factor 3 accounted for 9.9% of the variance and is composed of Digit Span and Arithmetic. This grouping corresponds to the Freedom from Distractibility factor (Cohen, 1957) that frequently has emerged when the 1939 and 1955 Wechsler adult intelligence scales were subjected to factor analyses (Matarazzo, 1972 Results for this diagnostically heterogenous sample of brain-damaged patients provide support for the existence of a meaningful third factor that underlies the WAIS-R. Leckliter et al (1986) have postulated that the third factor may represent a nonintellective variable that reflects personality and/or brain-behavior dimensions rather than the traditionally measured cognitive functions. Although the label Freedom from Distractibility has been utilized by the present authors, additional research is needed to clarify exactly what is being measured by this subtest combination (i.e., DSp & A).…”

“…In clinical situations, the decision to interpret the Scale as a two-or three-factor battery should be contingent on the type and degree of intersubtest scatter (Naglieri & Kaufman, 1983). Leckliter, Matarazzo, and Silverstein (1986) reviewed the WAIS-R factor analytic literature and found a paucity of research with neurologically impaired subjects. However, they did locate a single unpublished work that applied principal components analysis with Varimax rotation to the WAIS-R protocols of 100 brain-injured patients.…”

O osobliwościach metodologicznych badań naukowych i diagnostycznych prowadzonych przez psychologów klinicznych

“…Próbowano "ulokować" testy składające się na baterię Wechslerowską w ramach Charlesa Spearmana teorii czynnika g (badanie nasycenia czynnikiem g poszczególnych testów -por. Leckliter, Matarazzo i Silverstein, 1986). Dwie znaczące teorie inteligencji, z którymi usiłowano powiązać testy Wechslera, to: Raymonda B. Cattella i Johna L. Horna teoria płynnej i skrystalizowanej inteligencji oraz Joya P. Guilforda model struktury intelektu.…”

On the methodological peculiarities of scientific research and assessment conducted by clinical psychologists

“…Scholars have tried to "locate" tests making up the Wechsler battery in Charles Spearman's g factor theory (measuring the saturation of each test with the g factor -cf. Leckliter, Matarazzo, & Silverstein, 1986). The two important intelligence theories that have been seen as linked with Wechsler's tests are: Raymond B. Cattell's and John L. Horn's theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence and Joy P. Guilford's structure of intellect theory.…”