Final answer:
The question addresses the assessment of index score differences on the Wechsler scales (WISC or WAIS) used to measure cognitive abilities in Psychology. A significant difference is identified when there is a discrepancy of 12 or more points between VCI, PRI, or WMI and 14 or more for PSI.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the evaluation of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), which is a tool used in Psychology to assess cognitive abilities.
When checking index differences, students should be looking for a difference of 12 or more between the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), and Working Memory Index (WMI), and 14 or more for the Processing Speed Index (PSI).
These differences are significant and may indicate uneven cognitive profiles or the need for further assessment.
To check for significant differences, you would subtract the lower index score from the higher index score in each of the pairs you're comparing.
If the resulting number is 12 or more when comparing VCI, PRI, or WMI, or 14 or more for PSI, this would be considered a significant difference.
For example, if a student has a VCI score of 110 and a PRI score of 95, the difference is 15 points, which is significant for VCI/PRI comparison.