Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence
the traits behind the science
the traits behind the science
Why Traits?
There are two main ways to measure Emotional Intelligence:
Trait: This places people on a continuum for each of a series of personality traits, which allows for shades of grey indicating the typical responses. There are no right or wrong answers in this form of measure.
Ability: This measured by tests of maximum performance. Answers will be right or wrong, therefore someone could be high or low scoring.
The table below illustrates these key differences.
There are two main ways to measure Emotional Intelligence:
Trait: This places people on a continuum for each of a series of personality traits, which allows for shades of grey indicating the typical responses. There are no right or wrong answers in this form of measure.
Ability: This measured by tests of maximum performance. Answers will be right or wrong, therefore someone could be high or low scoring.
The table below illustrates these key differences.
Trait EI
Trait EI
Focussed on consistent, cross-situational, typical behaviour.
Measured used self-report questionnaires asking about self-perceived traits.
It can be difficult to distinguish between emotional traits and other personality traits.
Integrated within the psychology of personality differences
Extensive academic research on Trait EI.
Measured used self-report questionnaires asking about self-perceived traits.
It can be difficult to distinguish between emotional traits and other personality traits.
Integrated within the psychology of personality differences
Extensive academic research on Trait EI.
Ability EI
Ability EI
Focussed on the ability to process emotional information.
Measured using performance tests - EI is viewed as a cognitive ability.
The intrapersonal aspect of EI cannot be objectively scored.
It is easier to compare objective performance vs subjective self-perceptions.
Ability EI is harder to integrate with other psychological concepts that aren't performance based.
Measured using performance tests - EI is viewed as a cognitive ability.
The intrapersonal aspect of EI cannot be objectively scored.
It is easier to compare objective performance vs subjective self-perceptions.
Ability EI is harder to integrate with other psychological concepts that aren't performance based.
