Final answer:
The General Ability Index (GAI) is made up of the Perceptual Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension scales of the WISC-V, which provides an estimate of a child's general intellectual ability without the influence of working memory and processing speed. The GAI is particularly useful in assessing children with certain disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The General Ability Index (GAI) is composed of the Perceptual Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension scales of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V). Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'What is the General Ability Index (GAI) made up of?' would be d. Perceptual Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension Scales.
The GAI is an alternative measure to the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and is particularly useful in instances where the Processing Speed or Working Memory scores are significantly lower than the other indices. The GAI provides an estimate of general intellectual ability, excluding the influence of working memory and processing speed, which can be beneficial for certain populations, such as those with attentional or learning disorders.
The WISC-V is a more nuanced tool that reflects the understanding that intelligence is made up of multiple abilities in various cognitive realms. It includes a range of subtests that contribute to the comprehensive assessment of children's intelligence and abilities. Given the complexity of intelligence, each index and subtest provides valuable information about a child's cognitive profile.