Interpreting low scores on the WISC-R Third Factor: It's more than distractability

Authors

Richard M. Wielkiewicz, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1990

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised consists of three factors: Perceptual Organization, Verbal Comprehension, and the Third Factor, also called Freedom from Distractibility. Children referred for learning and behavioral problems frequently obtain low Third Factor scores. Although resistance to the effects of distracting stimuli may be necessary for optimum performance on the Third Factor, many other hypotheses may account for low scores. This article reviews studies that elucidate the meaning of low Third Factor scores. One promising interpretation is that the Third Factor reflects "executive" and short-term memory processes involved in planning, monitoring, and evaluating task performance.

Comments

DOI:10.1037/1040-3590.2.1.91

Recommended Citation

Wielkiewicz, R. M. (1990). Interpreting low scores on the WISC-R Third Factor: It's more than distractability. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2(1), 91-97. doi:10.1037/1040-3590.2.1.91