The Hierarchical Factor Structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised

An hierarchial factor solution was obtained on intercorrelations among WISC-R subtests for the 11 age groups included in the standardization sample of 200 boys and girls in each of the age groups from 6.5 years to 16.5 years. An ability arrangement congruent with Vernon's structural paradigm was obtained at all age levels. The ability hierarchy consisted of a relatively strong general (g) factor and two subgeneral factors corresponding to the verbal-educational (v:ed) and spatial-perceptual (k:m) parameters from Vernon's paradigm. The g-factor was defined by loadings from all subtests, while the v:ed-factor was defined by all Verbal subtests and the k:m-factor was defined by Performance subtests exclusive of Coding.