The purpose of this research was to investigate the construct validity of the Woodcock-Johnson III battery (WJ-III) to assess Brazilians' cognitive abilities. Two studies were conducted. The first sample was composed of 375 participants (220 women, 155 men), ages 7-18, and the second of 64 children (36 girls, 28 boys), ages 7-12. Eight subtests of the WJ-III and the Human Figure Drawing Test (DFH-III) were administered. The results indicated the internal consistency of WJ-III items, by means of Pearson's Correlation, as well as significant differences among ages on the sub tests scores, shown by Multivariate and Univariate Analyses of Variance. Significant correlations were observed between WJ-III and the DFH-III in spatial, fluid and processing speed abilities. In conclusion, the construct validity of the WJ-III for Brazilian children and youngsters was demonstrated.
Woodcock-Johnson III; test; intelligence; cognition
