The picture completion and picture arrangement subtests gauge the ability to recall and organize images. In the former subtest, the examinee must identify the missing details in 25 images of ordinary objects, people and animals, and has only 20 seconds to complete each picture. The picture completion subtest measures the examinee's ability to discern relevant versus trivial details, visual memory and concentration. In the picture arrangement subtest, the examinee must sort through 11 sets of jumbled images, organizing each set into a story sequence. This subtest evaluates nonverbal reasoning.
In the digit symbol coding subtest, examinees use a key comprised of number-symbol pairs to decipher a series of numbers, with only two minutes to complete each task. This subtest gauges concentration, visual scanning and speed of response. The symbol search subtest consists of 60 questions, in which five related symbols appear on the right side of the page and two symbols appear on the left for each item. Examinees must figure out which of the two symbols on the left belong to the group on the right within 120 seconds. This supplementary subtest measures visual scanning and discrimination.
In the block design component, an examinee must reproduce two dozen patterns, using white and red cubes, to match patterns presented on cards. According to Gary Groth-Marnet's "Handbook of Psychological Assessment," this subtest evaluates an examinee's ability to use visual-spatial relationships to solve problems, requiring nonverbal concept formation and abstract conceptualization. In addition, examiners can monitor an examinee's approach and endurance to the test. While some examinees grow frustrated and surrender, other examinees compulsively persist on solving problems beyond the test's time limit.
Examinees must construct five jigsaw puzzles within a specified time for the object assembly subtest. The puzzles consist of cardboard pieces that form easily recognizable objects, such as a hand or a horse, according to Christopher Gillberg's "A Guide to Asperger Syndrome." Examines who can visualize how parts relate to the whole perform well on this test. However, individuals with Asperger syndrome tend to do poorly on this test due to their obsession with detail.