A Hierarchical Analysis of the WAIS Performance of Adolescent Retardates

Abstract

A Wherry-Wherry hierarchical factor solution was obtained on the WAIS subtest performance of 100 adolescent retardates. A hierarchical arrangement of abilities consistent with Vernon’s (5) model of cognitive structure, and consistent with previous reports, was obtained. A g-factor and two major group factors were evident. The g-factor was defined by loadings from all subtests. Verbal subtests defined v : ed; performance subtests defined k : m. Bifurcation of the verbal and performance subtests was produced when the variance attributable to g was removed. Comparison of the data of this study with that of Wallbrown, Blaha, and Wherry (9) revealed some important differences. The g-factor loadings were lower and more overlap of abilities were identified. Picture Completion did show as a better measure of k : m than Object Assembly. Suggestions for future research are included.