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Friday stream 2 Session 11.35 - 12.50 Length 25 minutes
Jan Alm
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden jan.alm@psyk.uu.se
Abstract
In research as well as clinical practice the assessment of cognitive functions and information processing skills is of critical importance. At the background of SPLD is cognitive functions at the normal or above normal level co-existing with some functions at much lower levels. Both in research and clinical practice the Wechsler scales have dominance in the evaluation of cognitive abilities. These test batteries are may be also the most researched instruments in the science and profession of psychology. Much of that research is done in the area of learning disabilities. What often is seen in research and practice is a surprisingly poor understanding of how to interpret the rich quantitative and qualitative data gathered during a two hour administration of the test. How should we describe and estimate the intellectual ability of a person with some functions on the superior level and some at the level of mental retardation? Should the mean of a hugely scattered profile be taken as the best estimation of overall intelligence with the conclusion that the persons intelligence is normal or a little below? The subtests are also multidimensional and the psychologist needs to interpret the data from a theoretical viewpoint that make the best sense of the rich quantitative and qualitative data specific to that person. A thorough understanding of the subtests together with awareness of the many different theories and models of intelligence and cognitive functions forms the ground for ant intelligent interpretation of the results. The aim of the session is to make the audience familiar with well established practices in the area.
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