A four-test short form of the WISC-R

A four-test short form of the WISC-R was developed on the basis of both rational and statistical criteria, using data from the representative standardization sample. The short-form comprised Arithmetic and Vocabulary from the Verbal Scale along with Picture Arrangement and Block Design from the Performance Scale. Various psychometric properties of the abbreviated battery were defined, and indicators of the short form's accuracy in predicting Full-Scale IQ (the standard error of estimate, effectiveness in classifying a child's intelligence level) were provided. A major topic of discussion was the use and abuse of short forms.     

Comparison of the SIT with the WISC-R for gifted students

There has been a need to identify a quick screening and reevaluation instrument to determine eligibility status for specialized programs. The Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) is one instrument that has been suggested for this purpose. In a ten-year review of validity studies with the SIT, Stewart and Jones (1976) found substantial correlations between the SIT and WISC. They recommended that future validity studies with the SIT focus on specific subgroups with restricted IQ ranges. The present study compared the SIT with the WISC-R for a group of intellectually gifted students. The results indicated reduced correlations between the measures. The calculated regression equation was dissimilar to the one reported by Stewart and Jones for nonrestricted IQ populations, although predictive ability was greater. The need for comparing the SIT with other measures for specific subgroups was supported.     

Sex differences in the WISC-R scores of gifted students

This study is an investigation of the sex differences in the WISC-R scores of gifted students. The sample consisted of 946 students (479 males and 467 females), with a chronological age range of 6.0 to 16.0, and a mean CA of 9.9. The results indicated significant mean differences on several subtest scores and IQs, generally favoring males.     

A model using the WISC-R to predict success in programs for gifted students

The present study attempted to develop a quantitative model using the WISC-R that could be used to predict those students most likely to be successful in gifted education programs. The study was conducted in two phases using two groups of gifted children. In phase one, 120 elementary students randomly chosen from a pullout program in a suburban school served as the subject pool. The subjects had varying degrees of success in the program. Phase one subject data were used to develop a quantitative model; phase two subjects were used for predictive purposes. Specific results in phase one yielded six maximally discriminant WISC-R subtests. These subtests were then used to predict at well above chance levels (87.8%) those students who were known to have been either marginally or highly successful in the program (n = 41). The present study goes one step beyond previous research by using these maximally discriminant subtests to predict program performance of gifted children.     

An analysis of WISC-R factors for gifted students with learning disabilities

Intellectual patterns of gifted students with learning disabilities were studied to determine cognitive factors characterizing these children. Twenty-four gifted children with learning disabilities (LD) and a control group of nondisabled gifted children were administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) (Wechsler, 1974). While differences between the two groups on individual subtests were examined, a comparison of broader factors was emphasized in discovering cognitive patterns that might suggest effective intervention. Experimental and control performances were compared on 14 factor scores, using cognitive classification systems of Bannatyne (1971), Kaufman (1975), Rapaport, Gill, and Schafer (1946), and Wechsler (1974). Gifted students with LD were more reliant on verbal conceptualization and reasoning than the control students. They also demonstrated deficiencies in short-term auditory memory and sound discrimination. The gifted group with LD exhibited the Organic Brain Syndrome factor (Wechsler, 1974) to a significantly greater extent than did the control group.     

An epidemiologic approach to screening gifted students utilizing WISC-R subtests

Full WISC-R evaluations of students who are referred to a gifted program, but who do not meet placement criteria, have become a drain on the resources of many school districts. A screening formula for gifted students, utilizing three WISC-R subtests (VO-BD-SI), was evaluated using traditional epidemiologic techniques. The screen was applied to the records of 200 students who had been referred for a gifted program and received complete WISC-R batteries. Screen results were compared to actual placement of the 200 subjects based on a WISC-R Full Scale, Verbal, or Performance IQ of 130 or more. Measures of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the screen were determined. The screen correctly detected the majority of gifted students and could have major implications in terms of cost effectiveness and professional time management.     

A WISC-III short form for learning-disabled students

Data gathered from 664 students referred for special education evaluations were used to create a WISC-R short form. This short form was then used during the 3-year reevaluations of 35 learning-disabled students. Short form deviation quotients were compared to each student's original WISC-R Full Scale IQ. All short form deviation quotients fell within the students' Full Scale IQ range. Thus no student was misclassified by the use of the short form. With the release of the WISC-III, a similar method was used to create a WISC-III short form for use during reevaluations of learning-disabled children. This article discusses the composition of the WISC-III short form and suggests guidelines for its appropriate use.     

The seductive nature of WISC-R short forms: An analysis with gifted referrals

The use of a short form of the WISC (California Abbreviated WISC for the Intellectually Gifted) (CAW-IG) developed for screening gifted referrals was investigated with the WISC-R. Two methods were used to estimate IQ. and the results indicated that the short form could be effective in the prediction of Full Scale IQ. This was true even when the prediction was based on data from the original WISC. Discussion centered on the implications of these results for the use of shortened IQ tests. A number of problems were examined, and practitioners are cautioned against indiscriminate use of such procedures.     

Comparison of scores for intellectually gifted students on the WISC-R and the fourth edition of the Stanford-Binet

The WISC-R and the Fourth Edition of the Stanford-Binet (SB: FE) were compared in the identification and assessment of 48 intellectually gifted students in the primary and secondary grades. While only a 3.2-point difference between the mean SB: FE Composite score and the mean WISC-R Full Scale score was found, (r = .393, p. ⩽ .01), the t test between the two scores was significant (t = 2.30, p ⩽ .05). Correlations between the three scales of the WISC-R and the SB: FE four broad area and Composite scores ranged from −.219 (SB: FE Abstract/Visual Reasoning with WISC-R Verbal) to .599 (SB: FE Short-Term Memory with WISC-R Full Scale). Within the correlational matrix, only 5 of the 15 correlations were significant. Both the SB: FE Abstract/Visual Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Area scores had no significant correlations with any of the WISC-R scores.     

A reading program for gifted high school students

Many of the basic principles of future studies are closely related to the objectives and approaches of gifted education. Including future studies as an integral part of a gifted education curriculum would give added meaning to these programs.     

Effectiveness of the PPVT-R for screening gifted students

The PPVT-R and the WISC-R were administered to a sample of 35 students, grades 1 through 8, who were nominated for possible participation in gifted programming. The correlation between the PPVT-R and Full Scale IQ was .27, which probably was affected by the restricted range of ability assessed. The PPVT-R showed modest incremental effectiveness beyond informal referral procedures in predicting toward a WISC-R criterion score.     

Identification of gifted students

School curricula are changing, most notably in the field of special education. One area which is increasingly receiving more emphasis is gifted education. The gifted student, who has too long been overlooked, is now eligible for placement in special education classes designed to further the development of his unique abilities. The role of the school psychologist in identification of the gifted student is discussed.     

Curriculum as motivation for gifted students

Curriculum is the framework around which much of students' school experience is structured; it represents expectations for growth and learning and demonstrates what is valued within the learning environment. The degree to which curriculum is motivating for gifted students depends in part on the individual student and how his or her goals and values align with those in the environment. This article explores the interplay between the school curriculum and the motivations of gifted students to engage with it. Key concepts include achievement goal orientation, challenge and meaningfulness in the curriculum, and boredom and interest, with attention to the interplay among all of these concepts. A summary of recommendations regarding appropriate curriculum for advanced learners is provided. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Cognitive processes underlying WISC-R performance of gifted and learning disabled navajos

The purpose of this study was to provide an empirical basis for the interpretation of the WISC-R performance of Navajo children according to the Luria-Das Model of Simultaneous and Successive cognitive processes. Two groups of Native American Navajo subjects, 45 learning disabled and 41 gifted, were given the WISC-R. The scores on those subtests expected to involve Successive and Simultaneous processes were factor analyzed for each group and two factors were extracted. The factors, essentially similar for both samples, were interpreted to reflect the Successive and the Simultaneous modes of processing information as suggested by the Luria-Das Model. The gifted and learning disabled children had disparate loadings for some of the subtests, suggesting that the two groups may be using distinct modes of coding information.     

Motivation in gifted students

This study investigated the factors which had influenced the role of motivation in the high levels of achievement of a sample of fifteen gifted students, aged 14/15 years, in five secondary schools in England. The students were interviewed individually, and their parents and teachers were also interviewed for validation of the students' comments. The results indicated the influences of teaching and learning provision, of support and of social and emotional factors on the students' motivation. The role of motivation in the realisation of the students' high ability, in achievement of personal goals and in maintaining the progress and achievements of those who had problems was also clear. Evidence of the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the students' achievement was also shown.     

Suicide among gifted students

Suicide has become the solution to an increasing number of gifted youth's mounting frustrations. While not all or even a documented majority of gifted children attempt suicide as a solution to life's Stressors, the loss of even a small number of gifted youth is reason enough for intervention to be actively sought. One possible solution is mandatory counseling within the gifted curriculum as a preventive intervention.     

Computer-based advanced placement calculus for gifted students

A computer-based course in Advanced Placement Calculus AB, developed at the Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences at Stanford University, was completed by 13 gifted students in grades 7–10 from seven different junior and senior high schools. This article covers the selection procedures for students, the day-to-day progress of the calculus students during the 1990–91 school year, details of the derivation system developed, operational aspects of the hardware and software systems that were used, and analysis of individual differences that appear in the self-placed environment. The 13 students took the Advanced Placement Calculus AB examination in May 1991. All students passed. Six scored 5 (the highest grade); Six scored 4, and one scored 3, for an average score of 4.4.This article summarizes research supported by National Science Foundation Grants MDR-90-50008, MDR-85-50596, and MDR-87-51523 at Stanford University.