Reynolds RIAS™ and RIAS-2™ Tests
The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales™ test or RIAS test is a brief, individually-administered intelligence test that is used as a measure of verbal and non-verbal intelligence. It provides an objective, reliable assessment of intelligence and its major components. The RIAS test is often used by itself to qualify children for a gifted and talented program. Sometimes it is given as a “pre-qualifier.” A child who does very well on the Reynolds Intelligence Test may then be invited to go on for more thorough testing, in many cases with a complete IQ test.
The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales™, Second Edition (RIAS-2™) is even faster than its predecessor. In less than 15 minutes a g score can be attained. It contains new normative data and updated content, while requiring less reliance on motor skills. Due its decreased emphasis on motor function, the RIAS-2 offers a more accurate and valid assessment of true intelligence. It can be used as a stand-alone intellectual assessment or as part of a larger battery to diagnose specific disorders, such as intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities, and as a way to determine educational placement, like for gifted and talented programs.
For a sample of the types of questions found on the RIAS and RIAS-2, sign up for our 100 free practice questions.
There are three scores for the Reynolds Test – the RIAS Verbal score, the RIAS Non-Verbal score, and the RIAS Memory score. The RIAS intelligence subtests include Verbal Reasoning (verbal), Guess What (verbal), Odd-Item Out (nonverbal), and What’s Missing? (nonverbal). Memory subtests include Verbal Memory and Nonverbal Memory.
For the RIAS-2, it retains all four core and two memory subtests from the original RIAS; however, individual harder and easier items were added to provide greater range, and other items were revised to allow for more up-to-date and acceptable responses. Two supplemental speeded processing subtests – verbal and nonverbal – combine to create the Speeded Processing Index (SPI).
The benefits of the RIAS Assessment
- It assesses both verbal and nonverbal intelligence. Verbal intelligence is assessed by measuring verbal problem solving and verbal reasoning, where acquired knowledge and skills are important; nonverbal intelligence is assessed by measuring reasoning and spatial ability, using novel situations and stimuli that are predominantly nonverbal.
- It takes a quick memory assessment. The RIAS provides a basic, overall measure of short-term memory skills (e.g., working memory, short-term memory, learning); measures recall in the verbal domain; and evaluates the ability to recall pictorial stimuli.
- It is fast. Administration of the four intelligence subtests takes approximately 20-25 minutes; administering the memory assessment adds only 10 minutes.
- There is a screening version available. Derived from the RIAS, the Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test™ (RIST™) consists of one verbal subtest and one nonverbal subtest. This brief screening measure takes only 10 minutes to administer and helps to quickly identify individuals who need a more comprehensive intellectual assessment or an intellectual reevaluation.
Tell Us Your Experiences
Mary Beth says:
I sent an email about 2 months ago needing more information. I have yet to receive a reply. I have heard that the RIAS is reliable but, I would like to ask a few questions. Would someone please contact me.
does the RIST and RIAS meet the Daubet standard?