Reply to Prepping for aptitude/iq tests

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Just a word of caution, if you're preparing a child for the WISC, and they mention to the evaluator that they've seen similar questions before, some (possibly all) providers may consider the results invalid.

In my experience, aside from helping the child become familiar with the format of tests like the CogAT or NNAT, scores generally don’t shift dramatically with prep. You might get more value by focusing on general test-taking strategies, things like staying calm and following directions carefully.[/quote]

I do t understand the connection between “providers will invalidate the score if they find that you’re familiar with the type of questions” and “you can’t really increase your score by prepping”.

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Tests like the CoGAT are menat to mimi the findings of something like the WiSC but they CoGAT is structured differently. You can prep for the CoGAT by getting comfortable with the way the questions are asked and the types of puzzles and the like. It can influence the score, but it seems like not by that much.

The WiSC, and other IQ tests, are not supposed to be prepped for so that the evaluator can get a realistic baseline of an individual's ability. As I understand the WiSC, it is part of a battery of tests that can be used to identify learning issues and ADHD by pointing out gaps in different areas of intelligence. Most people will have strengths and weaknesses but they are normally not that far apart. Someone with large gaps in perfomrance different areas is more likely to have a learning issue or a processing issue. The tests are meant to test people where they are to measure their abilities, identify strengths and weaknesses, and identify if there are significant gaps. If you prepared someone for a test like the WiSC you invalidate the results because the person is able to cover areas where they are less strong and/or accentuate areas of strength. It is not a true measure of their ability.

I believe you are not supposed to retake the WiSC for 2-3 years after you have been given it to decrease the likelihood of remembering the test. I had to take the WiSC as a diagnostic tool for LDs when I was in school and came to hate the test. I knew I was supposed to be able to do better than I was and found it frustrating and defeating. There were areas that I crushed but I could tell the areas I was failing in, and I hated it. I have a long list of LDs and it is obvious to me where I excel and where I am weak. Hate the stupid thing.

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