The Measurement of Emotional Intelligence: A Critical Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Researchers and Practitioners

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) emerged in the 1990s as an ability based construct analogous to general Intelligence. However, over the past 3 decades two further, conceptually distinct forms of EI have emerged (often termed “trait EI” and “mixed model EI”) along with a large number of psychometric tools designed to measure these forms. Currently more than 30 different widely-used measures of EI have been developed. Although there is some clarity within the EI field regarding the types of EI and their respective measures, those external to the field are faced with a seemingly complex EI literature, overlapping terminology, and multiple published measures. In this paper we seek to provide guidance to researchers and practitioners seeking to utilize EI in their work. We first provide an overview of the different conceptualizations of EI. We then provide a set of recommendations for practitioners and researchers regarding the most appropriate measures of EI for a range of different purposes. We provide guidance both on how to select and use different measures of EI. We conclude with a comprehensive review of the major measures of EI in terms of factor structure, reliability, and validity.

Are Emotionally Intelligent People More Creative? A Meta-Analysis of the Emotional Intelligence–Creativity Link

“…EI measures typically used to examine the relationship between creativity and EI can be classified into two types: ability EI and trait EI [41,42]. Ability EI -such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) [43], emotional management ability test [27], and reading the mind in the eyes test [44], are usually conceptualized as people's maximal performance in test situations of perceiving, appraising, using, and regulating emotions [20,42].…”

“…EI measures typically used to examine the relationship between creativity and EI can be classified into two types: ability EI and trait EI [41,42]. Ability EI -such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) [43], emotional management ability test [27], and reading the mind in the eyes test [44], are usually conceptualized as people's maximal performance in test situations of perceiving, appraising, using, and regulating emotions [20,42]. Trait EI-including the Bar-On emotional quotient inventory [45], trait emotional intelligence questionnaire [12], Schutte emotional intelligence scale [46], and Wong and Law's emotional intelligence scale [47]-usually refers to individuals' self-perception of emotion-related abilities, social skills, and personality [48,49].…”

<p>Big Five Personality Traits and Gratitude: The Role of Emotional Intelligence</p>

“…(p. 197) 44 A review of the literature shows that emotional intelligence can be conceptualized as a trait and as an ability. 45 In our study, we assessed trait emotional intelligence which refers to the self-perception of typical emotion-related dispositions. So understood, it appears to be an important mediating factor since it promotes well-being outcomes, 46 optimism and hope.…”

New AI-IP-EI Trilogy Opens Innovation to New Dimensions; Another Chip in “the Innovation Wall”, What About Emotional Intelligence (EI)?

“…To close this chapter on AI background and evolution with a practical note, we may cite the expert system application TOGA® which back in the mid 80's hold promises to enhanced industrial security and ecological robustness therewith concerning electrical transformation [4] ("Artificial Intelligence Applications in Chemistry" pp. [25][26][27][28][29]. At that time the cost for the insurance company when a transformer failed would amount "above a million dollars".…”

“…Emotional Intelligence (EI) emerged in the 1990's [25], with a related non patent literature (NPL) surge during the 2005-09 period followed by significant patent activity between 2010-19. Figure 6 is an illustration of AI/IE tandem.…”