CNL523 Topic 4 Discussion
The Wechsler scales are among the most used intelligence tests for adult people. Also termed as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), consists of fifteen differing tasks, and each task is designed for purposes of assessing intelligence, including spatial ability, working memory, general knowledge, and arithmetic ability. According to (Ronald, 2017), the intelligence level is influenced by the status of “self.” This implies that whether or not an individual has a physical disorder or a cognitive disorder, which may impair his/her ability to receive stimulation in various ways, such as deaf, blindness, or nonverbal, their IQ levels differ. Blind or deaf people might be incapable of coping due to the inadequacy of resources—the WAIS-IV scores four domains, working memory, verbal, processing speed, and perceptual. In administering tests to deaf or blind people, a Learning Media Assessment and Functional Vision Evaluation test must be done (Ronald, 2017). Both tests help in the diagnosis of IQ levels based on the different capability levels of people.
The Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC): The purpose of BASC is to assess and monitor changes in the behavior and emotional status of children. The primary constructs assessed and measured using BASC are intrapersonal competencies. According to (Cox, 2019), BASC is applied to children aged between 2-21 years. Psychologists must be in a position to understand the attributes of BASC, especially when conducting the tests. These assessments provide psychologists with quick, reliable, and systematic ways of determining the emotional and behavioral strengths and weaknesses of preschool children and teens. Also, psychologists must be aware of the five distinct rating forms that are used in BASC; parent rating scale (PRS, teacher rating scale (TRS), student observation system (SOS), self-report of personality (SRP), and structured development history (SDH) (Cox, 2019). For proper diagnosis, psychologists either rely on the Emotional Symptoms Index (SRP) or Behavioural Symptoms Index (PRS and TRS). Sub-score reporting reported in BASC includes adaptive skills, externalizing problems, school problems, and internalizing disorders.
References
Cox, E. (2019). Characteristics of Behavior Rating Scales: Revisited. Masters Thesis & Specialist Projects.
Ronald, J. C. (2017). Psychological Testing and Assessment (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.