Key Psychometric Instruments

Assessment of intelligence and specific aptitudes

In the psychoeducationalist's arsenal, intelligence scales occupy a central place in determining cognitive potential.

The Wechsler Scales (such as the WISC) are the gold standard, as they allow intelligence to be broken down into specific indices (verbal comprehension, visuospatial, etc.), providing a profile of strengths and weaknesses beyond a simple IQ number.

For students with linguistic or cultural difficulties, fluid intelligence tests such as the Progressive Matrices, which assess pure reasoning ability without the interference of language, are used.

Complementarily, it is essential to measure school aptitudes by means of differential batteries (BADyG or DAT type).

These tests do not measure general intelligence, but specific abilities linked to school success, such as logical reasoning, numerical aptitude or perceptual speed.

This distinction is vital for vocational guidance and for understanding why an intelligent student may fail specific academic tasks.

Analysis of executive and attentional functions

Since many learning problems are not due to lack of ability, but to inefficiency in the management of mental resources, the assessment of executive functions is a priority.

Specific instruments are used to measure working memory (ability to operate with data mentally), impulse inhibition and cognitive flexibility. In the case of attention, it is not enough to observe whether the child is distracted.

Continuous performance tests are applied to measure the quality of sustained and selective attention over time, making it possible to detect fatigue or attentional fluctuations typical of ADHD.

Evaluating these "control processes" allows the professional to design intervention strategies focused on self-management and organization, transversal skills necessary for any complex learning.

Summary

Intelligence scales, such as the WISC, are fundamental for determining cognitive potential and disaggregating specific indices. They make it possible to identify strengths and weaknesses beyond a number.

It is also a priority to assess executive and attentional functions using instruments that measure working memory and flexibility. This helps to detect fatigue or typical fluctuations.

Complementarily, differential batteries are used to measure specific school skills linked to academic success. This distinction is vital for vocational guidance and understanding specific failures.