An example of an intelligence test is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), one of the most widely used standardized intelligence tests for assessing the cognitive abilities of children aged 6 to 16.

How It Works

The WISC-V measures a child’s intellectual functioning through five primary indexes:

• Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) – assesses understanding and reasoning using language (e.g., vocabulary, similarities).
• Visual Spatial Index (VSI) – evaluates the ability to perceive and organize visual information.
• Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI) – measures problem-solving and pattern recognition skills.
• Working Memory Index (WMI) – assesses short-term memory and attention.
• Processing Speed Index (PSI) – measures how quickly and accurately a child can process simple information.
• Each subtest yields a score, which contributes to a Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ)—a composite score representing overall cognitive ability.

Strengths

• Comprehensive Measurement: The WISC-V provides a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses across multiple domains.
• Diagnostic Utility: It helps identify learning disabilities, giftedness, or developmental delays.
• Standardization: The test is norm-referenced and statistically reliable, allowing for consistent comparisons among populations.
• Supports Educational Planning: Results can guide individualized educational programs (IEPs) and interventions.

Weaknesses

• Cultural and Language Bias: Students from diverse linguistic or cultural backgrounds may score lower due to unfamiliarity with test content rather than lack of intelligence.
• Test Anxiety and Environment: Performance can be influenced by fatigue, motivation, or anxiety during testing.
• Narrow Focus: It emphasizes cognitive abilities but does not assess creativity, emotional intelligence, or social skills.
• Time-Consuming: Administration and scoring require trained psychologists and can take up to 90 minutes.

Conclusion:
While the WISC-V is valuable for assessing intellectual functioning, it should be interpreted alongside other assessments and contextual information to avoid mislabeling or overlooking a child’s broader abilities.

Reference:
Wechsler, D. (2014). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Pearson.