Intelligence tests: WISC and WAIS in English

Are you or your child relatively gifted or challenged? Our team of clinical psychologists offer intelligence testing of children, youth and adults in English with WAIS and WISC in Denmark. We provide the understanding that helps you optimise the learning and career environment.

Book an WISC or WAIS test by contacting us.

Intelligence tests – IQ

Intelligence testing – such as the WISC and WAIS – is a method used to measure a person’s intellectual capabilities (IQ) in various areas. In general, these tests are designed not just to assess your knowledge, but to gauge your ability to reason, problem-solve, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, and learn from experience. They provide insights into a person’s mental agility and capacity.

Limitations and caveats

If you’re considering taking an intelligence test, keep in mind that it is a specific way of understanding a person’s intellectual potential and it does not define your worth or capabilities in all contexts. Other tests and assessments can contribute with more ecological validity by design. In other words; the test is not always an exact predictor of capabilities on all tasks or relational performance. Finally, there are indications that performance on IQ tests can be improved.

Thus, approach testing with an open mind and use the results as a guide, not an absolute measure of your abilities. Before booking a test make sure to read this article about testing.

Intelligence testing of children (WISC)

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is a widely used intelligence test specifically designed for children between the ages of 6 and 16. It measures a child’s intellectual abilities in various domains, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. The results provide a comprehensive profile of a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding parents, educators, and professionals in tailoring educational plans and interventions. As a parent, it’s crucial to remember that while the WISC can be a valuable tool for understanding your child’s cognitive abilities, it does not encompass all aspects of intelligence or potential. The results should be used in conjunction with other information about the child’s skills, talents, and interests to gain a holistic understanding of their unique intellectual profile.

Intelligence testing of youth and adults (WAIS)

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is a suitable tool for adults who seek to understand their cognitive abilities. Similar to the WISC, this test evaluates various cognitive domains, but it’s tailored for adults. It includes sections for verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. When considering taking the WAIS, it’s essential to keep an open mind. The results are not reflective of your worth, but rather serve as a tool for understanding your cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Example of a WISC & WAIS task

One task in both WISC and WAIS is the “block Design” task. This task falls under the Perceptual Reasoning Index and assesses nonverbal reasoning and spatial processing abilities. Here’s a simplified description of the task.

• Instructions: The examiner presents the participant with a set of red-and-white blocks. The task is to arrange the blocks to match a specific design or pattern within a given time limit.
• Procedure: The examiner shows the participant a model or a picture of a design.
  The participant is then provided with a set of blocks and asked to replicate the design by arranging the blocks appropriately.

Objectives of the block design task

• Spatial Processing: The task assesses the individual’s ability to mentally manipulate and organize visual stimuli in space.
• Nonverbal Reasoning: Participants must use nonverbal reasoning skills to analyze the design and figure out the correct arrangement of the blocks.

Scoring

Scoring is based on how accurately and quickly the participant replicates the design. The task typically involves several different designs of increasing complexity.

The score provides insights into the individual’s visual-motor coordination, spatial planning, and problem-solving abilities without relying on verbal skills.

Performance on the Block Design task contributes to the overall Perceptual Reasoning Index on both the WISC and WAIS.

It’s important to note that this is just one example, and there are several other subtests in the WISC and WAIS, each targeting different cognitive abilities. The variety of tasks allows for a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cognitive profile.

The report and feedback WAIS and WISC

After taking the test, the feedback you receive will be comprehensive, offering insights into different areas of cognitive function. This can shed light on your intellectual strengths, areas for improvement, and potentially reveal patterns in your cognitive processing. The feedback can be beneficial for self-understanding, career planning, and identifying strategies to enhance cognitive abilities. It’s crucial to remember that the results represent a snapshot in time and are not static nor an absolute measure of your potential. Like with the WISC, the results should complement other life experiences and skills to gain a complete picture of your cognitive profile.

Where and when can I book an appointment for IQ testing

We offer testing in most of our offices. We can also test at other locations in Denmark when needed. Contact us and let us know how we can help.