Factor structure of the Chinese version of the WAIS-R for Chinese adults in the lowest percentiles of IQ

Abstract

The Chinese version of the WAIS‐R was factor analyzed for a sample of 130 Chinese adults in Hong Kong who had low intellectual abilities. All subtests except the Vocabulary subtest were included for analyses. Results supported a three‐factor solution composed of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Memory/Freedom from Distractibility Factors, as well as a two‐factor solution of classic Verbal‐Perceptual dichotomy. Comparison of present two‐ and three‐factor structure with individuals having low or normal IQ in Mainland China and North America revealed satisfactory congruence coefficients. However, our general factor accounted for only a small portion of common and total variance (28.5% and 35.3% respectively). Error variances of our subtests were large when compared to normative samples of Mainland China and US. Results were discussed in terms of clinical interpretation of the WAIS‐R subtests, danger of using short‐forms to assess IQ and need for normative studies of WAIS‐R in Chinese‐speaking countries.