Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM) of the French Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V)

Interpretation of the French Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC–V) is based on a 5-factor model including Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. Evidence of the factorial structure of the WISC–V was established through Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA). However, factorial structure should derive from both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFAs) and CFAs. EFA has been recently integrated with CFA/SEM into the Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM). The goal of this study was to examine the factorial structure of the French WISC–V with ESEM. The 15 French WISC–V primary and secondary subtest scaled scores inter-correlation matrix reported in the French technical manual was used. Bifactor-ESEM indicated that the better model included four-factor. Consistent with previous studies, findings suggested a general intelligence factor, with a verbal factor, a processing speed factor and a reasoning factor. No evidence for five factors was found