What is assessed in the Vocabulary subtest?

The Vocabulary subtest assesses a child's understanding and use of language primarily through their ability to define oral words and name depicted objects. This subtest is designed to measure verbal comprehension, which is a key aspect of cognitive development. By asking the child to define words, the subtest evaluates their vocabulary knowledge and the depth of their language skills. The task not only assesses recognition of words but also the ability to articulate their meanings, which reflects overall verbal intelligence and cognitive processing abilities.

The focus on defining words and naming objects gives insight into the child's language development, which is crucial for effective communication and academic success. It also demonstrates how well children can retrieve and express knowledge they have about their environment, thus contributing significantly to the broader measures of intelligence evaluated by the WISC-V.