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Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) - Digit Span Subtest
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) - Digit Span Subtest
| Availability |
Please visit this website for more information about the instrument: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
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| Classification |
NeuroRehab Supplemental - Highly Recommended:
Recommendations for Use: Indicated for studies requiring a measure for attention/working memory.
Supplemental: Traumatic Brain Disease (TBI)
Exploratory: Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
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| Short Description of Instrument |
The digit span subtest of the WAIS is a widely used measure of auditory attention and working memory that is well-normed and sensitive. The examiner reads a sequence of numbers that the subject has to repeat in sequential order. Each correctly repeated series is followed by another series plus an additional digit. For each failed sequence, the subject is given a second chance with another set of numbers of the same length if he/she had failed the first attempt. If the subject fails the second attempt the test is discontinued.
Publication Date: 2008
Description: Three sections: Digits Forward, Digits Backward, and Digits Sequencing.
Ages/Grades: Individuals 16-90 years
Scores: VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ scores; Digit Span yields raw and scaled scores for total and subscores. Each section has a max raw score of 16; total max raw score is 48.
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| Scoring and Psychometric Properties |
Scoring: Each correct sequence is worth one point with a maximum correct of 16. Mean score for US sample: 8.6 ± 2.6; Canadian norm 7.4 ± 2.7.
Permissible Values: Raw score: 0-48 Scaled Score: 1-19.
Procedures: Administered verbally. Requires minimal training. Administration time is 10 minutes.
Psychometric Properties: Split-half reliability = 0.93; test-retest reliability = 0.83
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| Scoring |
Each correct sequence is worth one point with a maximum correct of 16. Mean score for US sample: 8.6 ± 2.6; Canadian norm 7.4 ± 2.7.
Permissible Values:
Raw score: 0–30 Scaled Score: 1–19.
Procedures:
Administered verbally. Requires minimal training. Administration time is 10 minutes.
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| Rationale/Justification |
NeuroRehab Specific:
Strengths: Part of well-validated WAIS-IV, brief to administer, broad utility, comprehensive norms and applicability across many different populations that are common in rehabilitation.
Weaknesses: This subtest is part of a battery that requires a purchase of the entire program to use.
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| References |
Lichtenberger EO & Kaufman AS. (2012). Essentials of WAIS-IV assessment (Vol. 96). John Wiley & Sons.
Wechsler D (1997). Wechsler adult intelligence scale-III. New York: Psychological Corporation.
Wechsler D (2008). WAIS-IV Administration and Scoring Manual. San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.
Document last updated January 2022
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