Final answer:
The authors suggest using the General Ability Index (GAI) over the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) when the traditional IQ scores might be skewed by factors not representative of an individual's actual cognitive abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text's authors recommend that clinicians consider the General Ability Index (GAI) as a better summary of overall ability than the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) when traditional IQ scores may be impacted by extraneous factors that do not reflect an individual's cognitive abilities accurately. This is particularly relevant in cases where a person's specific limitations or disabilities might depress the overall intelligence score, making the FSIQ less indicative of their cognitive strengths. In such instances, the GAI, which focuses on cognitive functions but is less influenced by working memory and processing speed, may offer a more accurate representation of a person's intellectual potential.
In the field of psychological assessment, it's important to note that intelligence tests are continually evolving with the goal of enhancing their accuracy, fairness, and utility. Researchers have been fine-tuning these assessments to better cater to various demographic groups, which entails recognizing when alternative measures like the GAI should supersede the traditional FSIQ to yield a more reliable index of cognitive abilities.