What is a Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI)?
The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) is a standardized cognitive assessment tool designed to provide a reliable measure of an individual's cognitive functioning in a shorter time than comprehensive intelligence tests (Weschler, 1999). It serves as a brief yet effective alternative to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC).
The WASI assesses cognitive ability using either a four-subtest form (Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Matrix Reasoning subtest) or a two-subtest form (Vocabulary and Matrix Reasoning) (McCrimmon et. al., 2013). The abbreviated scale of intelligence generates key scores, including the Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI). The WASI scoring tables help interpret results, making it valuable for clinical assessments, research, and educational planning. While it provides a quick evaluation of cognitive ability, it should not replace comprehensive assessments when a more detailed analysis is required.
The WASI-II
The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence WASI-II is an updated version of the original WASI (Wechsler, 2011), designed to assess intellectual functioning efficiently. It serves as a screening tool for determining general intellectual ability and whether a comprehensive intellectual assessment is necessary. The WASI-II includes two administration forms: a four-subtest form (Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Matrix Reasoning) and a two-subtest form (Vocabulary and Matrix Reasoning).
The vocabulary subtest and vocabulary and similarities subtests contribute to the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), measuring verbal reasoning and knowledge. The Performance IQ is derived from nonverbal subtests, reflecting cognitive intelligence and problem-solving skills. II subtest scores contribute to Verbal IQ, Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), and Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ), providing a structured analysis of a test taker’s abilities. The WASI-II is widely used in clinical, educational, and research settings to support evaluations requiring a rapid yet reliable measure of intelligence.
WASI Template
WASI Example
How does our Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) template work
Our Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) template contains a report from for WASI-II assessments. This digital template streamlines the evaluation process, ensuring accurate data collection and interpretation. Follow the steps below to access, complete, and review the assessment findings within a structured workflow.
Step 1: Access the template
Click the “Use template” button to instantly access the WASI-II report form. This will direct you to Carepatron’s platform, where you can conveniently use the template within the app. No additional setup is required—simply open the form and begin documenting your assessment with ease.
Step 2: Use the template during patient assessment
During the evaluation, administer either the two-subtest or four-subtest WASI-II format. Record raw scores for Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Matrix Reasoning using the report form, ensuring accurate data collection.
Step 3: Record findings
Enter the patient's scaled scores, percentile ranks, and index scores directly into the template. The system organizes II subtest scores into Verbal Comprehension Index, Perceptual Reasoning Index, and Full-Scale IQ for easy interpretation. You can also add notes to the template to highlight significant cognitive patterns and discrepancies.
Step 4: Discuss findings with patient and provide next steps
Once the assessment is complete, review the patient’s intellectual functioning based on their WASI-II results. Use the structured scoring tables to explain cognitive strengths and weaknesses. If necessary, recommend further comprehensive evaluations for a more in-depth analysis and discuss interventions or support strategies based on the findings.
Benefits of using this report form
The WASI-II report form streamlines intelligence assessments by providing a structured format for recording and interpreting results. It enhances clinical utility by allowing a qualified professional to efficiently administer the WASI test and document findings without manual calculations. The form organizes WASI-II subtests into clear sections, ensuring that scaled IQ scores, FSIQ scores, and index scores are easily accessible.
This report form is particularly beneficial in psychoeducational assessments, where cognitive strengths and weaknesses must be identified. It supports evaluations of fluid reasoning, intellectual disabilities, perceptual organization, visual stimuli, and other functioning of cognitive domains with standardized scoring. By aligning results with comprehensive measures, professionals can make data-driven decisions in psychiatric evaluations and cognitive diagnostics.
Additionally, the template’s structured approach helps ensure consistency in reporting while reducing errors in standard deviation calculations. This makes it a valuable tool for psychologists, neuropsychologists, and educational specialists conducting intelligence testing and determining the need for further assessment.
References
McCrimmon, A. W., & Smith, A. D. (2025). Test review: Review of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (WASI-II). Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 31(3), 337–341. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1011833
Weschler, D. (1999). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. APA PsycNet. https://doi.org/10.1037/t15170-000
Wechsler, D. (2011). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence—Second Edition (WASI-II) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. https://doi.org/10.1037/t15171-000
Frequently asked questions
The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) is a short-form performance scale designed to measure intellectual functioning through verbal and nonverbal subtests. It provides a reliable measure of general intelligence and is often used as a screening tool before conducting more comprehensive evaluations.
The WASI-II introduced updated norms, improved test items, and a more representative sample to enhance clinical utility and accuracy. It also refined the scoring process and administration guidelines to align with modern intelligence testing standards.
The WASI is a brief screening tool designed to estimate general intellectual ability, while the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is a comprehensive measure that provides a detailed assessment of cognitive functioning across multiple domains. The WAIS includes more subtests and offers a deeper analysis of verbal reasoning, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
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