Subtest Scatter
Synonyms
Definition
Subtest scatter refers to the variability of individual subtest scaled scores within a test. Common methods for measuring subtest scatter are to examine the difference between the individual’s highest and lowest scaled scores within a test or to examine the difference between subtest scores and the average scores across all subtests.
Current Knowledge
Variability of an individual’s scaled scores across subtests on cognitive measures used to assess a broad construct such as intelligence or memory may be clinically important. While the research in this area has been inconsistent, variability across subtests may be diagnostically relevant. Some research has found that subtest scatter may suggest learning disability, neurological dysfunction, or emotional problems. Other research has revealed that subtest scatter is ineffective for distinguishing clinical from nonclinical groups. Regardless of the diagnostic utility, subtest...
References and Readings
- Debring, C., Satz, P., Van Gorp, W., Chervinsky, A., & Uchimaya, C. (1994). WAIS-R intersubtest scatter in patients with dementia of Alzheimer’s type. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 50, 753–758.Google Scholar
- Kramer, J. J., Henning-Stout, M., Ullman, D. O., & Schellenberg, R. P. (1987). The viability of scatter analysis on the WISC-R and the SBIS: Examining a vestige. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 5, 37–47.Google Scholar
- Matarazzo, J. D., Daniel, M. H., Prifitera, A., & Herman, D. O. (1988). Inter-subtest scatter in the WAIS-R standardization sample. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44, 940–950.Google Scholar
- Watkins, M. W. (2003). IQ subtest analysis: Clinical acumen or clinical illusion. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 2, 1–45.Google Scholar