This study explored the neurodiagnostic utility of 6 factor
scores identified by recent exploratory and confirmatory factor
analyses of the WAIS–III and WMS–III: Verbal
Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Processing Speed, Working
Memory, Auditory Memory and Visual Memory. Factor scores were
corrected for age, education, sex and ethnicity to minimize
their influences on diagnostic accuracy. Cut-offs at 1, 1.5
and 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the standardization
sample mean were applied to data from the overlapping test
normative samples (N = 1073) and 6 clinical samples
described in the WAIS–III/WMS–III Technical
Manual (N = 126). The analyses suggest that a
1 SD cut-off yields the most balanced levels of
sensitivity and specificity; more strict (1.5 or 2 SD)
cut-offs generally result in trading modest gains in specificity
for larger losses in sensitivity. Finally, using combinations
of WAIS–III/WMS–III factors together as test batteries,
we explored the sensitivity and specificity implications of
varying diagnostic decision rules (e.g., 1 vs. 2 impaired
factors = “impairment”). For most of the disorders
considered here, even a small (e.g., 3 factor)
WAIS–III/WMS–III battery provides quite good overall
diagnostic accuracy. (JINS, 2001, 7, 867–874.)