A FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION AND ARITHMETIC ITEMS OF THE WAIS 1, 2

Factor analysis is applied to a matrix of item intercorrelations based on the WAIS Information and Arithmetic subtests, using a sample of college‐oriented males. Six factors are found and speculatively interpreted as follows: I: General Information : This factor is best measured by information items that are non‐specific in response requirement, and “historical” in their content. Scores on this factor may assess “mental capacity” in adults. II: Contemporary Affairs : This factor is best measured by information items that have not necessarily been true for a long time, including the geographical items from the WAIS. III: Cultural Knowledge : This factor is measured by information items of specific literary or religious interest, or which are normally acquired through reading. IV: Scientific Generalizations : While this factor is well measured by appropriate information items, it is also involved in the performance of relatively complex mental arithmetic problems to which formulae can be applied, or which require a sequence of elementary operations. V: Numerical Information : This factor may be directly measured by specific, role‐appropriate information items, but is also involved in WAIS arithmetic items requiring the “conversion of units.” VI: Numerical Operations : This well‐known factor depends on facility in the manipulation of familiar symbols according to simple rules, and may assess a form of “ideational discipline.” The Information subtest of the WAIS appears to depend primarily on Factors I, II, and III, with some items highly loaded on Factors IV and V. The Information subtest of the WB‐I is similar except for the notable absence of Factor IV. The Arithmetic subtests of both the WB‐I and the WAIS appear to depend primarily on Factor VI, with most items also loaded on Factor V, and most difficult items also loaded on Factor IV. Scholastic aptitude appears to be a composite of Factors III, V, and VI.