Ethnic Group Differences between WISC and WAIS Scores in Delinquent Boys

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns of I.Q. scores of 2498 delinquent boys of different ethnic groups on the WISC and WAIS. Variables examined include age, ethnic classification, verbal I.Q., performance I.Q., and full scale I.Q. scores. A three-factor analysis of variance was computed on the scores. Factors included ethnic group (Anglo, black, Chicano), test-age level (WISC, WAIS), and subscale (verbal, performance) . Results showed that the mean I.Q. scores of the various ethnic groups were spread over a 15-point range with Anglos highest and blacks lowest. WISC scores were lower than WAIS scores for all groups, although the difference was significantly exaggerated in the blacks. Performance subscales elicited higher mean scores than did verbal subscales and the P-V difference was twice as large on the WISC as on the WAIS. Blacks were found to perform at about the same low level on both performance and verbal subscales, while the Chicanos did poorly on verbal I.Q., but scored much higher (in the normal range) on the performance subscale. Results were discussed with reference to the present I.Q. controversy.