The assessment of emotional intelligence: a comparison of performance-based and self-report methodologies

J Pers Assess. 2006 Feb;86(1):33-45. doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8601_05.

Abstract

We assessed the patterns of convergent validity for the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2002), a performance-based measure of emotional intelligence (EI) that entails presenting problems thought to have correct responses, and a self-report measure of EI (Schutte et al., 1998). The relations between EI and demographic characteristics of a diverse community sample (N = 223) concurred with previous research. However, the performance-based and self-report scales were not related to one another. Only self-reported EI scores showed a consistent pattern of relations with self-reported coping styles and depressive affect, whereas the performance-based measure demonstrated stronger relations with age, education, and receiving psychotherapy. We discuss implications for the validity of these measures and their utility.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Depression
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence Tests
  • Intelligence*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Assessment*
  • Psychotherapy
  • Self Disclosure*