Contributing Towards a Cultural Neuropsychology Assessment Decision-Making Framework: Comparison of WAIS-IV Norms from Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Spain, United States, and Canada

Abstract

Objective Test and normative data selection in cross-cultural neuropsychology remain a complex issue. Despite growing awareness, more studies and instruments are needed to adequately address the impact of cultural factors, such as quantity and quality of education. In this study, we examine the interpretive effects of applying six relevant WAIS-IV norms to a Colombian sample. Method A sample of 305 highly educated Colombian corporate executives completed the WAIS-IV. Data were scored using norms from Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Spain, United States, and Canada and scores were compared using ANOVA. Additionally, a comparative sociodemographic framework was established to contextualize our sample to the standardization samples and populations of the six countries. Results Colombian and Chilean norms yielded systematically similar FSIQ/Index scores (mean range = 117–121), while incrementally lower scores were found with norms from Mexico (–3–9 points), Spain (–3–11 points), USA (–8–13 points), and Canada (–11–18 points). Verbal scores differed, with highest scores obtained with Mexican and Spanish norms. Working memory and processing speed scores had the lowest score agreement across norms. Conclusions Although the Chilean norms are more frequently used in Colombia, the recently developed Colombian norms appear optimal for our sample; the scores do not have meaningful differences with those obtained with Chilean norms and offer local population representation fidelity. Mexican, Spanish, US, and Canadian norms underestimated WAIS-IV scores and distorted the sample’s score distribution. Finally, verbal scores highlight potential education representation within Spanish and Mexican norms, while working memory and processing speed scores suggest cultural nuances likely captured within different norms.

Challenges and opportunities for harmonization of cross-cultural neuropsychological data.

“…Furthermore, attempts to apply the same norms across populations without accounting for cultural and linguistic variations will result in detrimental ethical dilemmas such as clinical misdiagnosis and inaccurate conclusions for research studies. Duggan et al (2019) exemplified this in a study that demonstrated the highly variable effects of using normative Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition data derived from six different countries, with up to an 11-18 point FSIQ/Index score discrepancy depending on the population-derived normative data used. As a result, it is challenging to merge data from diverse communities to investigate research questions of global clinical significance, such as potential risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders and post-COVID-19 cognitive outcomes.…”

The Process of Individual Decision-Making in Non-Standard Situations: a Theoretical Aspect: Theoretical and Neuropsychological Aspects

“…), it is important to develop diagnostic tests of "intercultural neuropsychology". In this case, neuropsychologists use interpretation tests WAIS-IV, which include six relevant parameters (Duggan et al, 2019). Theoretical generalizations of this study can help improve the diagnosis of effectiveness and implementation of cultural neuropsychological decision-making system.…”

Is There a Universal Cognitive Diagnosis Related to the Tails of Intelligence Distribution?

“…Following the perspective of the Greenwich IQ, differences in average IQ between nations will be reflected in the standardization of intelligence tests, i.e., the IQ scale will have different psychological meaning for different countries. For instance, a Latin-American study (Duggan, Awakon, Loaiza, & Garcia-Barrera, 2019) conducted on a sample of 305 highly educated Colombian corporate executives, made a comparison in the WAIS-IV norms from Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Spain, United States, and Canada. One of their results is relevant for the present paper.…”

“…The authors concluded there is an American-European assessment bias in cross-cultural test standardizations. Duggan et al (2019) have the merit in presenting results, for the first time, regarding Latin American mean IQ differences through several norms of the Wechsler scales. However, is not clear as to why there was the highest agreement between the classifications Colombia/USA was observed in the Verbal Comprehension Index (52%), supposedly an index more sensitive to cultural/linguistic influence.…”