Correlation of the Quick Word Test and Wide Range Vocabulary Test with the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale

Abstract

The purposes of the present project were to determine the validity of the Quick Word Test (QWT) and the Wide Range Vocabulary Test Form B (WRVT-B) relative to the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale (SILS) serving as a criterion measure and to ascertain in light of the statistical outcomes whether the QWT and the WRVT-B can be used as effective instruments in assessing the intellectual ability of college students. The selection of the criterion instrument—the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale—was based on its reliability and validity as well as on its rather wide usage in educational and institutional settings. The correlation coefficients obtained in the present study between the QWT and the SILS and between the WRVT-B and the SILS were .68 and .73, respectively. These coefficients attained significance beyond the .01 level. In light of these relatively high and significant coefficients, it was concluded that the QWT and the WRVT-B are valid measures of intellectual functioning that may be used in a population of college students.