The distribution of IQ index scores in the psychometric profile of children with High Intellectual Potential (HIP): Is the heterogeneity specific to HIP?

Abstract

Introduction The majority of studies on the HIP IQ attest a heterogeneity of the IQ profile as specific to HIP. However, the samples are recruited in clinical consultations. Thus, it is important to investigate new samples from schools. Objectives We aimed to analyze the index scores of the IQ profile of children without disorders or specific school assistance. Methods The WISC-V was conducted and analyzed in 80 healthy children (50 HIP vs. 30 non-HIP), aged 7-to-13 years-old (mean 10y; SD 1.8). All children were recruited in private and public schools in Paris. Results All IQ index scores were significantly higher in the HIP vs. non-HIP. In both groups, the Verbal Comprehension Index was the highest index while the Processing Speed Index was the lowest. There are significantly (p=0.02) more heterogeneous IQ profiles in HIP (64%) vs. non-HIP (47%), with a significantly larger gap between the highest and lowest index (respectively: median = 29.5 vs. 21.5). There was a significant-positive correlation between IQ level in general and the heterogeneity of the profile (r = 0.42; p<0.001). Conclusions The HIP children show better verbal, visual-spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed index scores. However, the distribution of IQ index scores was similar in both groups. Thus, the heterogeneity of the IQ profile is not specific to HIP children, but rather related to IQ score level. This highlights the importance of considering the IQ as a continuum rather than as a categorical distribution. Moreover, it points to the interest to better understand the IQ profile by completing it with multidimensional assessments. Disclosure of Interest None Declared