The PIQ greater than VIQ discrepancy in violent and nonviolent delinquents.

This study found that approximately 35% of 149 juveniles convicted of serious crimes obtained a statistically significant PIQ greater than VIQ discrepancy of at least 12 IQ points. There were no significant differences in the incidence of the PIQ greater than VIQ discrepancy between juveniles convicted of violent or nonviolent crimes. The PIQ greater than VIQ discrepancy was found among both White and minority youth and among youth tested with either the WISC-R or the WAIS-R. IQ scores were correlated negatively with prior school problems, but not with measures of family dysfunction, prior criminal activity, or substance abuse. The PIQ greater than VIQ discrepancy appears to be an important indication of intellectual deficit in many delinquent youth.