The WAIS-R Comprehension and Picture Arrangement Subtests as Measures of Social Intelligence: Testing Traditional Interpretations

This study tested the hypothesis that the WAIS-R Comprehension (C) and Picture Arrangement (PA) subtests measure social intelligence. Fifty subjects' C, PA, and estimated Full Scale IQ scores were compared to scores on the Chapin Social Insight Test (SIT) and the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT). C scores did not significantly predict social information-processing abilities. Regression results supported the notion that PA scores reveal information about subjects' ability to interpret the nonverbal behavior of others. However, further analysis cautioned against interpreting PA as a measure of social intelligence. Sample size and participant characteristics may limit the generalizability of the study; recommendations for future studies are briefly mentioned.

[1]  Eileen M. Lynch,et al.  WAIS‐R and social intelligence: A test of established assumptions that uses the CPI , 1987 .

[2]  R. G. Evans,et al.  The WAIS-R picture arrangement and comprehension subtests as measures of social behavior characteristics , 1986 .

[3]  F. S. Chapin,et al.  Preliminary standardization of a social insight scale. , 1942 .

[4]  Joshua D. Lipsitz,et al.  Wechsler Comprehension and Picture Arrangement Subtests and Social Adjustment. , 1993 .

[5]  WAIS PA performance and participation in extracurricular activities. , 1968, Journal of clinical psychology.

[6]  H. Gough.  A Validational Study of the Chapin Social Insight Test , 1965, Psychological reports.

[7]  R. McFall,et al.  Heterosocial perception in rapists. , 1987, Journal of consulting and clinical psychology.

[8]  K. Dodge,et al.  A review and reformulation of social information-processing mechanisms in children's social adjustment. , 1994 .

[9]  A. H. Die,et al.  The Wais-R Picture Arrangement Subtest: What do Scores Indicate? , 1986 .

[10]  A. Holtzworth-Munroe,et al.  Attributing negative intent to wife behavior: the attributions of maritally violent versus nonviolent men. , 1993, Journal of abnormal psychology.

[11]  A Method for Teaching about Verbal and Nonverbal Communication , 1991 .

[12]  R. B. Margolis,et al.  Relation of Cognitive Functioning to Daily Living Skills in a Geriatric Population , 1989, Psychological reports.

[13]  Daniel P. Keating,et al.  A search for social intelligence. , 1978 .

[14]  Mark A. Costanzo,et al.  Interperting the expressive behavior of others: The Interpersonal Perception Task , 1989 .

[15]  T. Schill.  The effects of MMPI social introversion on WAIS PA performance. , 1966, Journal of clinical psychology.

[16]  Comprehension Subtest of the WAIS and Need for Approval , 1971 .

[17]  A. Bellack,et al.  An Empirical Method for Assessing Social Problem Solving in Schizophrenia , 1995, Behavior modification.

[18]  S. McKelvie.  Reliability and Validity of the Chapin Social Insight Test: Some Cautionary Data , 1986 .

[19]  S. Krippner.  WISC COMPREHENSION AND PICTURE ARRANGEMENT SUBTESTS AS MEASURES OF SOCIAL COMPETENCE. , 1964, Journal of clinical psychology.