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[quote=Anonymous]First point: the absolute value of each score is as important as the size of the discrepancy. A pattern with two divergent but very high scores (e.g., VCI=155, PRI=128) is more common, and less meaningful, than the same pattern 30 points lower. This is because there is generally more variation at the upper end of the scale (it's uncommon to be highly gifted at everything) and because a score at the 97th percentile isn't really a handicap.

Second point: it is true that children with ADHD often have more trouble with the PRI than the VCI. One of the PRI tests is timed, with bonus points for speed, so a slow/distracted worker suffers (although at young ages, a kid who works slowly but gets everything right will still get a very high score). Also, all three of the PRI tests require pretty good executive functioning (planning ahead, seeing the big picture, choosing the best answer from several possibilities, using lots of working memory).

Third point: on the WISC, handedness should make no difference at all on the PRI. You can assemble the blocks with your right hand, your left hand, or your feet, whatever works for you. The other two tests are motor-free - just looking at pictures and reasoning. Unless you're saying that left-handed children have stronger right hemispheres in the brain it makes no sense. And even then it makes no sense. The only subtest on the entire test where handedness could matter is Coding, and that goes onto the Processing Speed Index, not the Perceptual Reasoning Index. On the older WISC-III Coding did load on the Performance Scale, but it was one test out of six so it still wouldn't make a big difference overall.

Last point, while it is uncommon to see a very high PSI and lower/average VCI and PRI, it's not impossible. It's just that those kids aren't gifted.[/quote]

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