color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">How it works (simple explanation)

The WAIS measures different thinking skills through several subtests, such as:

• Verbal understanding (e.g., vocabulary, comprehension)

• Logical reasoning and problem-solving

• Memory (remembering numbers or sequences)

• Processing speed (how fast you solve simple tasks)

Scoring process:

1. You answer questions → get a raw score

2. Your score is compared to people of the same age (standardization)

3. The result becomes an IQ score with:

• Average = 100

• Most people scoring around 85–115 (bell curve)

The final IQ score shows how your performance compares to others your age.

Strengths of intelligence tests

1. Standardized and objective

• Everyone takes the same test under the same conditions, making results comparable.

2. Predicts academic performance

• IQ scores are good indicators of school success and learning ability.

3. Identifies strengths and weaknesses

• Helps teachers and psychologists design appropriate learning plans.

4. Useful for diagnosis

• Can detect learning difficulties or giftedness.

Weaknesses of intelligence tests

1. Too narrow (not full intelligence)

• Often gives a single score, but intelligence is complex (e.g., creativity, social skills are not measured).

2. Cultural bias

• Test questions may favor certain cultural or language backgrounds.

3. Influenced by external factors

• Performance can be affected by:

• Motivation

• Education

• Socioeconomic status

4. Limited real-life application

• Tests measure test performance, not always real-world problem-solving or social intelligence.

Simple analysis

Intelligence tests like WAIS are useful tools, especially in education and psychology, because they are standardized and predictive. However, they are not complete measures of intelligence. They focus mainly on cognitive skills and may miss other important abilities like creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills.

References

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale overview

• Explains what the WAIS is, its history, structure, and scoring system.

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (mentalhealth.com)

• Describes how the test works and the cognitive domains it measures (verbal, memory, reasoning, processing speed).

• ScienceDirect overview of WAIS

• Discusses test structure, reliability, and use in identifying strengths and weaknesses.

• ScienceDirect cognitive domains explanation

• Explains the different components of intelligence measured (verbal, working memory, processing speed, etc.).

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)