A Study on Discriminant Function of KWIS Subscales in Schizophrenic Patients

Lee, Jung Hoon

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to determine the discriminant function analysis of the Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale (KWIS) for 110 normal controls and 98 schizophrenics. Of special interest was to verify the clinical discriminant power of two subtests of the KWIS (Vocabulary and Digit Symbols) and Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Four major hypotheses were postulated. The normal control group would show higher scores then the schizophrenics; mean scores on both Vocabulary and Digit Symbol. The mean difference in Digit Symbol between the two groups would be greater than that in the Vocabulary. There would be no significant relation among Digit Symbol, Vocabulary, and Anxiety. The most powerful discriminant power would be expected from subtest of Digit Symbol. The mean discriminant scores were 1.34425 for the control subjects, 1.34425 for the schizophrenics. The correctly discriminated percentage was 89.1% for the control subjects, 90.8% for the schizophrenics. From the findings it was concluded that both Digit Symbol and Vocabulary scales had strong diagnostic value but the former was more powerful than the latter. However, the Anxiety scales had less diagnostic value.