Is it ethical to train an assistant with a B.A. in sociology to administer the WAIS-IV tests?

The conclusion that it is unethical for someone with only a B.A. in sociology to administer WAIS-IV tests is based on several key principles of ethical practice in psychology. Administering psychological assessments such as the WAIS-IV requires a comprehensive understanding of the theories underlying intelligence, psychometric principles, and ethical considerations related to test administration and interpretation.

While supervision is valuable and guidelines exist to ensure that assessments are conducted responsibly, the foundational knowledge necessary to administer those tests competently goes beyond supervision and guidelines alone. Licensed psychologists typically have completed extensive training and education, which prepares them to interpret results and understand the implications of those assessments in clinical practice.

Thus, without the proper qualifications and training, individuals might inadvertently misuse the tools or misinterpret the results, which could have significant consequences for the individuals being tested. Therefore, the ethical standards in psychology emphasize that only properly qualified professionals should conduct such assessments, reinforcing the inappropriateness of allowing an unqualified individual to perform this crucial task.