The two broad cognitive processing continuim interpretaions (X- and Y-axis) are not the focal point of the current discussion. The most critical finding in the current context, as per the radex model, is how close to the center of the figure a composite measure score is placed.
Measures that are the closest to the center are considered the most cognitively complex. As measures move further away from the center, they are judged to be
less cognitively complex.
The results, although using a different method than PCA, produce the same conclusions. The most cognitively complex measure in this sample (which could be thus interpreted as the best index of cognitive complexity or
g-ness) is the KAIT Fluid Intelligence Scale. The next closest to the center of the figure are the WJ III Gc (Comprehension-Knowledge) and Gf (Fluid Reasoning) clusters. Again of interest is the location of the WAIS VC composite...it is much less cognitively complex than these other measures, and interestingly, much less cognitively complex than the two similar measures of Gc abilities (WJ III Gc composite; KAIT Crystallized Intelligence composite). I've also provided my stimulus content hypothesis interpretations of groupings of composties (designated by ovals) from across the batteries (e.g., Processing Speed- WAIS Processing Speed and WJ III Gs or Processing Speed).
The findings in this one sample (which therefore warrants caution in generalization), suggests that
the WAIS-III Verbal Comprehension composite, which is the most valid measure of Gc or verbal abilities on the WAIS-III, may NOT be all it is thought to be--when it comes to tapping cognitively complex cognitive processing. Other Gc or verbal measures from intelligence batteries with adult norms (KAIT; WJ III) were found, in a relative sense, to be much better indicators of a person's
g-ness (general intelligence). The data suggest that, in this sample, even the WAIS-III Working Memory Index score may be a better relative proxy for
g-ness than the WAIS verbal composite.
These analyses raise interesting questions about Atkins decisions that have relied either exclusively on the WAIS-R/WAIS-III scores, particularly when part scores (Verbal IQ, Verbal Comprehension; Peformance IQ; Perceptual Organization; etc.) are used instead of the Full-Scale IQ to determine mental retardation, or when the respective WAIS verbal composite is considered better than other potential test global IQ scores (or similar Gc/verbalcomposite scores from other batteries) in making a determination of level of general intellectual functioning.
How can this be? How can a major scale from the "
gold standard" of IQ tests (as it is commonly called in Atkins decisions) be a poorer estimate of general intelligence (
g-ness) than most psychologists think? More importantly, what are the implications for Atkins decisions, when the WAIS-R/III Full Scale score has been questioned as an accurate
g-estimate in the face of considerable profile variability, and then the Verbal IQ/Verbal Comprehension Index is used to estimate
g-ness (general intelligence)?
In both the
Maldonado and
Vidal decisions considerable stock was placed on the respective Wechsler verbal composite scores as being the best indicator of general intelligence (for making a determination of mental retardation). In Maldonado, the reliance of the Wechsler verbal composite trumped a
more comprehensive CHC-based IQ battery (BAT-R) administered in Maldonado's native language (Spanish). Of concern in the Vidal decision, is that he had been administered four different versions of the Wechsler IQ batteries (over many decades), and they consistently revealed a large verbal/nonverbal (performance) IQ split. Thus, arguments hinged extensively on the Verbal IQ vs the Full Scale IQ. I'm perplexed why the experts in intelligence and intelligence testing, even without knowing the result of the above
g-analysis, did not say "we've got consistent Wechsler V-P split information, I think it would be important to administer more contemporary intelligence tests, or parts of some of these batteries, to find out more information about important
g-related cognitive abilities (for the defendant) not measured by the WAIS battery." The Wechsler batteries had consistently captured Vidals abilities as measured per that battery--wouldn't time have been better spent, and a decision made on a higher quality array of cognitive information, by requesting administration of other IQ tests (or parts of other IQ tests) instead of arguing over old and consistent limited cognitive data? In fact, I, together with Flanagan and Ortiz, published a book in 2000 (
The Wechsler Intelligence Scales and Gf-Gc theory: A contemporary approach to interpretation) that presents procedures for augmenting the various Wechsler batteries to provide for a more comprehensive CHC/Gf-Gc based assessment of a persons intellectual functioning. This information was also available as early as 1998 (see
ITDR by McGrew and Flanagan). [
conflict of interest note - I coauthored these two books which made little in the way of ching-$ for the authors. They are now both not being printed and none of the authors are receiving any royalties from their sales].
I continue to be baffled/troubled by the over-reliance, and almost god-like stature of the various versions of the WAIS (R/III/IV), in Atkins rulings. It has been well known (and written about in articles and books;
click here) since the early 1990's, that contemporary CHC (aka, Gf-Gc) theory had emerged as the consensus model of intelligence and, more importantly, instruments had been designed (with adult norms) to measure many of the unmeasured or poorly measured CHC abilities not taped by the WAIS-R/III batteries. If I was an attorney arguing an Atkins case, on either side of the fence, I would seek intellectual testing beyond the so-called "gold standard." I would want the best possible estimate of
g-ness (since this seems to be the crux of the first prong of MR determination in most Atkins cases).
IMHO, the major problem is that of the "inertia of tradition" in intelligence testing, particularly in psychology disciplines that deal with adult populations. Many practicing psychologists, esp. those working in adult settings whose professional associations and journals have paid less attention to contemporary intelligence theory and test development (less than school and educational psychologists), simply have not kept abreast of these developments.
How long will Atkins expert intelligence testimony, expert debates, and decisions be made in the face of the
Atkins MR IQ Theory-Test gap? Isn't this simply wrong? Professionally and ethically shouldn't psychologists who offer judgements in life-or-death decisions hinging on IQ test results be "up to speed" regarding contemporary intelligence theory and instruments? Should the courts continue to handicapped by the presentation of intelligence test results that are not based on the best evidence from intelligence theory, research, and test development? The courts are at the mercy of experts who testify, experts who I believe need to be familiar with the cutting edge empirical and theoretical information on the structure of human intelligence and various IQ batteries that are available, beyond the Wechslers.
Given the data presented above, it is possible that the decisions in at least two cases (and I'm sure there are more), may have had a different outcome, or at least an outcome based on a more comprehensive set of intelligence information. Justice could have been better served via more contemporary intellectual testing practice and interpretation.
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On June 12, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) held that former death row inmate Jerry Hartfield has been held in prison for 33 years despite having no valid conviction. The court concluded: "The status of the judgment of conviction is that Petitioner is under no conviction or sentence." Hartfield, an illiterate man with an IQ of 51, had his capital conviction overturned by the same court in 1980 because his trial jury was improperly selected. The court ordered a new trial for Hartfield, but that trial was never held. In 1983, then-Governor Mark White attempted to commute Hartfield's death sentence to life, but the CCA's recent ruling said the commutation was invalid because Hartfield had no conviction and hence, no sentence. He has remained in prison--not convicted of any crime--the entire time. The CCA's ruling was prompted by a request from the 
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