Cognitive assessment of preschool children: A pragmatic review of theoretical, quantitative, and qualitative characteristics

The theoretical, quantitative, and qualitative characteristics of five commonly used cognitive tests for preschoolers were reviewed and evaluated. These tests included the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV COG; Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014), the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV; Wechsler, 2012a), the Differential Ability Scales - Second Edition (DAS-II; Elliott, 2007a), the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales - Fifth Edition (SB5; Roid, 2003a), and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition: Normative Update (KABC-II:NU; Kaufman & Kaufman, 2018b). Although the DAS-II and KABC-II emerged as the most well-rounded of the five cognitive tests evaluated, all of the tests have their strengths and limitations. The authors suggest that examiners and practitioners know the characteristics of each of these tests before selecting one for use with preschool children to maximize their utility, interpret them accurately, and provide meaningful recommendations to parents, teachers, and other professionals.