What is the purpose of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale?

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is specifically designed to evaluate intelligence and cognitive ability in adults. It assesses a range of cognitive skills, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, providing a comprehensive picture of an adult's intellectual functioning. This assessment is widely used in psychology for various purposes, such as educational placements, clinical assessments, and research.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of the WAIS. Measuring physical ability is unrelated to cognitive assessment, while emotional intelligence is a distinct concept that pertains to the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions as well as those of others. Testing academic knowledge concentrates on the understanding or recall of educational content, which is not the main objective of the WAIS. Thus, the selection of the WAIS to evaluate intelligence and cognitive ability underscores its targeted application in psychological assessment.