Long-Term Stability of Membership in WISC-III Subtest and Factor Score Core Profile Taxonomies
Open Access
Author:
Borsuk, Ellen R
Graduate Program:
School Psychology
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
September 16, 2004
Committee Members:
Marley W Watkins, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Barbara Schaefer, Committee Member Pamela S Wolfe, Committee Member Janice Catherine Light, Committee Member
Keywords:
WISC Profile Analysis Cluster Analysis Intelligence Test
Abstract:
Although often applied in practice, cognitive subtest profile analysis has failed to achieve empirical support. Nonlinear multivariate profile analysis may have benefits over clinically based techniques, but the psychometric properties of these methods must be studied prior to their interpretation and use. The current study posed the following question: Is WISC-III cluster membership based on nonlinear multivariate subtest and factor profile analysis stable over a 3-year period? Membership stability to the subtest and factor taxonomies, including constancy of displaying an unusual profile, was based on data from 579 and 177 students, respectively. General and partial kappa coefficients either failed to reach statistical significance or indicated poor classification stability, with the exception of two profile types. It was concluded that, with two possible exceptions, profile-type membership to empirically derived subtest and factor WISC-III taxonomies cannot be used in educational decision-making. Directions for future research and limitations of this study were considered.
