Definitions and Tests of EI

Approach Mayer-Salovey Bar-On Goleman
Definition 
of
Emotional
Intelligence		 "Emotional intelligence involves the ability to perceive accurately, appraise, and express emotion; the ability to access and/or generate feelings when they facilitate thought; the ability to understand emotion and emotional knowledge; and the ability to regulate emotions to promote emotional and intellectual growth." "an array of non-cognitive capabilities, competencies, and skills that influence one’s ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures" "emotional competence is 'a learned capability based on emotional intelligence that results in outstanding performance at work'"

Test / Publisher

Mayer, Salovey, Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test

MHS

 BarOn EQ-i 
 

MHS

 Emotional Competence Inventory 

Hay-McBer
Testing Method / 

Measures

 Ability Measure

Emotional Intelligence

 Self Report

Emotionally-intelligent behavior

 Observer/Self

Competencies
Example 
Test 
Items		 1. Look at the face (in the picture). Indicate how the person is feeling:
        Not         Very
Angry    1 2 3 4 5
Sad       1 2 3 4 5
Happy    1 2 3 4 5

 

2. Someone feels more and more happy. When their emotion grows even past happiness and they are out of control, they feel:
a. satisfied 
b. content 
c. manic 
d. joyous

 1. I have good relations with others

 

2. I’m fun to be with

3. I like helping people

Rating Scale:

Not                  Very
True                True

      1   2   3   4   5

1. Aware of own feelings

 

2. Open to new ideas

3. Builds rapport
 

Rating Scale:

Slightly       Very

A  B  C  D  E  F  G
Test 
Scales

Identifying Emotions
 Identifying emotions in faces and in designs 

Using Emotions
Translating feelings into emotion, how emotions influence thought

Understanding Emotions
Defining complex emotional blends, understanding emotional transitions

Managing Emotions
Effectively including emotion into decision making 

Intrapersonal
Emotional self-awareness, assertiveness, self-regard, self-actualization, independence

Interpersonal
Empathy, interpersonal relationship, social responsibility

Stress Management
Problem solving, reality testing, flexibility

Adaptability
Stress tolerance, impulse control

(General Mood)

Self-Awareness
Emotional self-awareness, accurate self-assessment, self-confidence

Social Awareness
Empathy, organizational awareness, service orientation

Self-Management
Self-control, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability, achievement orientation, initiative

Social Skills
Developing others, leadership, influence, communication, change catalyst, conflict management, building bonds, teamwork

 

Disclaimer and Important Note: Please see each test's manual for up-to-date and complete information.  This table, and this site, does not claim to be an objective review of the field!  You have to get information on each approach and make up your own mind.

Which test should you use?
You need to select a measure based upon your research hypotheses or your clinical application.  What are you trying to measure?  You can't just say "emotional intelligence", but instead, you should specify your hypotheses and link potential tests to possible interventions or outcomes.