At what point should the Scale of Intelligence (SI) testing be discontinued?

Discontinuing the Scale of Intelligence (SI) testing after obtaining three scores of zero is based on the guidelines established for efficient and valid assessment. Achieving multiple scores of zero indicates that the test-taker is not able to answer the questions at a level that reflects their actual cognitive ability. Continuing the assessment beyond this point is generally not productive, as it may lead to unnecessary frustration for the test-taker and can inflate the time spent on the assessment without yielding further useful data.

Additionally, by stopping at three zeros, the examiner can still gather sufficient information from the previous items scored to make informed interpretations regarding the individual’s cognitive profile. This approach not only respects the time constraints of testing but also ensures that the results remain reliable and meaningful. Discontinuation after fewer scores of zero could prematurely end the evaluation process, while waiting for more than three scores could lead to inefficiency without significant benefit. Thus, the correct guideline helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the testing process.