Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth UK Edition (WPPSI-IV)
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth UK Edition (WPPSI-IV) is a measure of cognitive development for pre-school and young children, administered using paper and pencil. It gives us a measure of cognitive ability in young children, compared to their peers. It has been developed to be accessible to young children with child-friendly and developmentally appropriate assessments. The Pearson Clinical website gives a useful overview of the sections used at each level.
For both age bands, the test structure includes three levels of interpretation: Full scale; Primary Index scale; and Ancillary Index scale levels.
The updated Primary Index scales include:
- Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)
- Visual Spatial Index (VSI)
- Working Memory Index (WMI)
- Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI)
- Processing Speed Index (PSI).
The Ancillary Index scales include:
- Vocabulary Acquisition Index (VAI)
- Nonverbal Index (NVI)
- General Ability Index (CAI)
- Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI).
Age range
Between 2 years, 6 months and 7 years, 7 months. Separate assessments are available for children up to four, and children over four years.
Who can use it?
This is a closed assessment and can only be administered by someone who is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) as a practitioner psychologist and who is also a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
How is it used?
The WPPSI-IV is administered under strict guidelines by a restricted group of users and consists of subtests appropriate for each age group. It takes 30–45 minutes for the core subtests for ages 2 years, 6 months–3 years, 11 months and 45–60 minutes for ages 4–7 years, 7 months.
Pros
- The assessments have been devised to be appropriate for young children and were updated using a normative sample standardised on 1,700 children in the USA.
- Good reliability on the subtest and composite scores.
- A good range of subtests.
- Can be carried out over a reasonable time frame.
Cons
- Standardised on USA population and therefore care to be taken with interpreting age norms.
- Can only be used by restricted group.
Is there a cost?
Yes.