. Efficacy of WISC-R Short Forms with Special Education Referrals

Abstract

The protocols of 327 students referred for psychological evaluation for possible special education services were examined using brief forms of the WISC-R. Several combinations of subtests were used to predict the FSIQ. Although significant correlations were obtained between the estimated FSIQ and actual IQ, significant t tests were also obtained, indicating significant discrepancies between the two lQs, Thirty-four protocols were selected at random and Hobby's (1981) split-half technique was applied. Again significant correlations and correlated t tests were obtained with only a very few cases having a significant shift in IQ. The authors concluded that brief forms of the WISC-R should be avoided; however, if a brief form is necessary, Hobby's technique is recommended.