Assessment for Learning MOOC’s Updates

Measuring Intelligence Through the WAIS: Benefits and Drawbacks

One common intelligence test is the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). It doesn’t just measure one thing—it looks at different abilities, like how well you understand words, how fast you can process information, how good you are at solving puzzles, and how strong your memory is. For example, you might be asked to explain what certain words mean, remember a series of numbers, or figure out patterns in pictures. After finishing, you get an overall IQ score, plus a breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses in each area.

The good thing about the WAIS is that it gives a more complete picture of a person’s thinking skills compared to tests that only focus on one type of ability. It’s also been used for a long time, so it has a solid reputation and allows experts to compare results across many people.

But it has some downsides too. Since it’s based on language and culture, people from different backgrounds might find it harder or even unfair. Your score can also be affected by how you’re feeling during the test—if you’re tired, anxious, or distracted, you might not perform at your best. And while it measures certain mental abilities well, it doesn’t cover things like creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical problem-solving.

So, the WAIS can be very useful, but it shouldn’t be the only way we judge someone’s intelligence or potential.