Stability of children's neuropsychological profiles: Comparison of Mccarthy scales and WISC-R

Abstract

The power of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSC A) to predict WISC-R performance was examined in a sample of children referred for neuropsychological assessment. Thirty-two children were administered the MSCA and given the WISC-R on follow-up an average of 2 years later. In contrast to previous findings, no significant differences were found between the mean MSCA General Cognitive Index (GCI) and WISC-R Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores. Significant correlations were found between GCI and FSIQ, Perceptual-Performance Scale and Performance IQ, and Verbal Scale and Verbal IQ. However, the variance of the Verbal IQ accounted for by the Verbal scale of the MSCA was less than 40%. Furthermore, when dividing the data into three intelligence classifications, the classification of verbal ability made by the MSCA Verbal Scale was as likely to change as it was to stay the same upon retesting with the WISC-R. These findings are discussed with reference to predicting later patterns of neuropsychological test performance.