Intelligence is as real as the beats of your heart. It’s measured in one of the most valid and reliable psychometrics ever created called an intelligent quotient (IQ) test. Emotional intelligence testing (EQ), however, is bullshit.
The idea of emotional intelligence was popularized by journalist Daniel Goleman — not a psychologist.
Even the name “emotional intelligence” is an oxymoron. Emotions are what we don’t want when trying to think intelligently. You aren’t solving a math problem by bursting into tears or completing crossword puzzles in the middle of a laughing fit.
If you’re playing a game of Jeopardy and Alex Trebek asks what is 2×2 —yes, not the most elaborate Jeoporady question — the answer will always be 4. If he asked who created the lightbulb, the answer would be “what is” Thomas Edison. Now, if Trebek asked how does this painting make you feel? Or how would you react if your boss said you’re not getting a raise — the answers will run wild.
There is no consistent and reliable way to measure emotions. It’s like you have a ruler and it’s stretching every time you use it.
Intelligence, on the other hand, is reliably measured. While emotional intelligence testing is a broken ruler, IQ is a diamond — it’s cold, hard, and beautiful.
That isn’t to say that intelligent people lack emotions; conversely, it breaks the question of intelligence down to a simple answer. You’re either smart or you’re not, according to IQ tests. And despite consistent controversy over IQ — it is, in fact, the greatest predictor of wealth, success, and healthier life in general.
Emotional intelligence testing, however, has weak evidence that it can predict real-world success better than IQ. Additionally, the way EQ is measured is a rebranding of other psychometric tests that have existed for much longer.
In an early critique of emotional intelligence testing, psychologists Dr. Michaeala Davies, Lazar Stankov, and Richard D. Roberts all chastised EQ for retreading well-known psychological constructs.
“Proofs of validity for EQ seem to come from measuring constructs that have existed for a long time and are simply being relabeled and recategorized,” the study reads. “For example, one of the proposed measures of EQ, the Trait ‘Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire’ makes use of measures of assertiveness, social competence, self-confidence, stress management, and impulsivity among other things. Most, if not all, of these constructs are firmly embedded in and well-accounted for by well-designed measures of personality traits.”
Ok, we established that EQ isn’t scientific. However, you, me, and Joe Schmo down the street all know there are people who are better at expressing their emotions and reading that of their audiences.
There’s a reason that legendary public speakers like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were able to connect so well with people. They chose the right words. The ones that made us FEEL. King thundered in his ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech:
“Instead of honoring this sacred obligation to liberty, America has given the Negro people a bad check. A check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’”
You’re no Martin Luther King but you could be someone who is more extroverted or creative. Psychologists do measure these things. However, and as we already established, unlike IQ, EQ isn’t a predictor of any kind of future success.
In fact, someone like Hannibal Lecter (a fictional character yes, but he works for this example) would likely be high emotional intelligence. Lecter can recognize the emotions in others — and exploit them. He’s also very in tune with his own emotions as well (the emotions of being a psychopath that is).
Conversely, that isn’t to say that highly intelligent people cannot have negative outcomes. IQ, however, has much more predictable outcomes than unmeasurable emotional intelligence testing.
For example, high IQ is an excellent predictor of academic performance, creativity, ability to abstract, processing speed, learning ability, and general life success, to name a few. EQ, on the other hand, could mean anything and everything.
Why Are IQ Tests So Damn Good?
According to the mental health website Verywellmind: “An IQ test is an assessment that measures a range of cognitive abilities and provides a score that is intended to serve as a measure of an individual’s intellectual abilities and potential.”
The average IQ score is 100. Anything above 140 is considered a high or genius-level IQ. The U.S. military helps us indicate low IQ, as the armed forces won’t accept anyone with a score of less than 83. This is due to the fact that they’re deemed to be a detriment to the military — in other words too stupid.
The military does not check for high EQ — they only make sure you are sane enough for service.
Research has shown that high IQ leads to more money, increased success, and a longer healthier life in general. The historic Terman study detailed the benefits of high IQ:
- The average income of Terman’s subjects in 1955 was an impressive $33,000 compared to a national average of $5,000.
- Two-thirds had earned college degrees, while a large number had gone on to attain post-graduate and professional degrees. Many of these had become doctors, lawyers, business executives, and scientists.
According to psychologist Jordan Peterson: “If you could choose to be born at the 95th percentile for wealth, or the 95th percentile for IQ, you would be more successful at age 40 as a consequence of the latter choice.”
Typical IQ questions are as follows (In case you were wondering):
1. What would be next in these sequences?
3968, 63, 8, 3…
a,d,g,j…
2. Which element is missing in the following figures?
Answers at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Emotional intelligence is a wine that’s been repackaged and resold to the general community. Albeit it’s much more digestible and that’s why it’s so trendy.
One of the most popular emotional psychometrics is the Big Five personality model. This measures openness (a good indicator of creativity), consciousness (being more aware and therefore more compelled to work and be orderly), agreeableness (more trusting and helpful), extroversion, and neuroticism (predisposed to more stress)
EQ exists, yes, but it isn’t a reliable predictor of anything, unlike IQ. Especially since EQ tests aren’t based on ability but instead on subjective experiences.
As I once wrote, there are many ways to raise your IQ. Some include playing music, exercising, reading, learning, adventuring, and exploring.
Some people are born geniuses. Others are getting smarter every day by learning and experiencing life. Never settle with the hand life has dealt you.
Answers are 2; M; a Square and a Pentagon; and a crossed lines Pentagon and Square surrounded by parallel lines.