Format Effects of iPad Administration of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition: Cross-Sectional Evidence for Score Equivalency in Routine Clinical Practice

Abstract

Objective: The literature lacks independent investigations of the influence of tablet administration of cognitive assessments in applied clinical settings. The present study examined the influence of iPad administration on (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition) WAIS-IV core subtest scores in a university-based clinic. Method: Record review was conducted for a convenience sample (N = 66) of university students who were administered the WAIS-IV via iPad or traditional format. Bayesian difference testing was used to evaluate the strength of the evidence for subtest score equivalence across groups. Results: Evidence supported score equivalency for the 10 core subtests across administration groups (BF > 3). The one exception was digit span-forward condition, for which equivalence was supported (BF = 2.44), but did not meet cut-off criteria. Conclusions: iPad administration of WAIS-IV is unlikely to influence subtest scores in routine clinical practice with healthy young adults. Further independent research in diverse clinical populations is recommended.