Administration error in presenting the WAIS-R blocks : evaluation of an extreme departure

Abstract

This study examined block presentation on the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. The standardized procedure dictates that a variety of sides be shown and that the red/white side be facing up only on one of the blocks when four are used, and only three when all nine blocks are given. It is believed that many administrators scramble the blocks, which may or may not comply with the standardized procedure. This study attempted to gauge the impact of this error on Block Design performance. Sixty subjects were tested ranging in age from 18 to 64 years and in IQ from 73 to 122. Each subject was given the Kaufman’s ’quick tetrad’ short form version of the WAIS-R. The Block Design subtest was administered after the tetrad, using the standardized and a nonstandardized (extreme) presentation of the blocks. The nonstandard presentation was defined as all the blocks having the full red side facing up. Results indicated the method of presenting the blocks had negligible Impact on Block Design performance. There was also no significant relationship found between the short form estimate of Full Scale IQ and the difference between indices of performance for standard versus nonstandard presentations. However, these results are not conclusive, a number of pertinent factors must still be considered. It was recommended that administrators adhere to the standardized form of presentation when administering the blocks on the Wechsler scales of intelligence.