The use of neuropsychological tests to assess intelligence. Issue 6 (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gansler, David A.; Varvaris, Mark; Schretlen, David J.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neuropsychologist. Volume 31:Issue 6/7(2017)
• Page Start: 1073
• Page End: 1086
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Intelligence -- neuropsychology -- biological intelligence -- cognitive function; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; 612.805
• DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2017.1322149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1385-4046

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : We sought to derive a 'neuropsychological intelligence quotient' (NIQ) to replace IQ testing in some routine assessments.Method : We administered neuropsychological testing and a seven-subtest short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale to a community sample of 394 adults aged 18–96 years. We regressed Wechsler Full Scale IQs (W-FSIQ) on 23 neuropsychological scores and derived an NIQ from 9 measures that explained significant variance in W-FSIQ. We then compared subgroups of 284 healthy and 108 unhealthy participants in NIQ and W-FSIQ to assess criterion validity, correlated NIQ and W-FSIQ scores with education level and independence for activities of daily living to assess convergent validity, and compared validity coefficients for the NIQ with those of 'hold' and 'no-hold' indices.Results : By design, NIQ and W-FSIQ scores correlated highly ( r = .84), and both were higher in healthy participants. The difference was larger for NIQ, which accounted for more variability in activities of daily living. The NIQ and 'no-hold' index were better predicted by health status and less predicted by educational status than the 'hold' index.Conclusions : We constructed an NIQ that correlates highly with Wechsler FSIQ. Tests required to obtain NIQ are commonly used and can be administered in about 45 min. Validity properties of NIQ and W-FSIQ are similar. The NIQ bore greater resemblance to a 'no-hold' than 'hold' index. One can obtain a reasonably accurate estimate of current Full Scale IQ without formal intelligence testing from a brief neuropsychological battery.