Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities

Sections of the test

The Cattell–Horn–Carroll theory factors that this test examines are based on 9 broad stratum abilities. Although the test is able to produce 20 scores, only seven of these broad abilities are more commonly measured: comprehension-knowledge (Gc), fluid reasoning (Gf), short-term memory (Gsm), processing speed (Gs), auditory processing (Ga), visual-spatial ability (Gv), and long-term storage and retrieval (Glr). Comprehension-knowledge (Gc) is the ability to use previous experience, knowledge, and skills, which are valued by one’s culture, to communicate or reason in unique situations. Fluid reasoning (Gf) is defined as the ability to control one’s attention to solve novel problems, without the ability to rely on previous knowledge or schemas. Short-term memory (Gsm) is the ability to encode, maintain, and manipulate information while it is in one’s immediate consciousness. Processing speed (Gs) is the ability to execute simple and repetitive cognitive tasks rapidly and effortlessly. Auditory processing (Ga) is the ability to identify and process meaningful, nonverbal information in sound. Visual processing (Gv) is the ability to use simulated mental imagery to solve problems, and long-term storage and retrieval (Glr) is the ability to store, solidify, and then retrieve information over time.