The WAIS-R Comprehension and Picture Arrangement Subtests as Measures of Social Intelligence: Testing Traditional Interpretations

This study tested the hypothesis that the WAIS-R Comprehension (C) and Picture Arrangement (PA) subtests measure social intelligence. Fifty subjects' C, PA, and estimated Full Scale IQ scores were compared to scores on the Chapin Social Insight Test (SIT) and the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT). C scores did not significantly predict social information-processing abilities. Regression results supported the notion that PA scores reveal information about subjects' ability to interpret the nonverbal behavior of others. However, further analysis cautioned against interpreting PA as a measure of social intelligence. Sample size and participant characteristics may limit the generalizability of the study; recommendations for future studies are briefly mentioned.