2.3.12 Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test™

Purpose 

The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test™ (MSCEIT™) is a tool that assesses emotional intelligence (EI) through a series of tasks. Unlike self-report questionnaires, it measures a person’s ability to handle emotional situations by having them solve problems directly related to emotions. Measuring EI based on performance is more objective than measuring it based on the test-taker’s subjective self-assessments. This approach ensures that scores are not influenced by self-concept, response biases, emotional states, or other confounding factors. The test assesses EI overall and within subareas, including the ability to accurately perceive emotions, use emotions to facilitate thinking, understand emotions, and manage emotions.

Various sectors, including psychology, education, business, and organizational development, have historically used the MSCEIT™. Its use extends to research, personal development programs, leadership training, and organizational assessments focused on emotional intelligence.

Description 

Developed by John D. Mayer, Peter Salovey, and David R. Caruso at the University of New Hampshire, the MSCEIT™ is rooted in the scientific tradition of the 1990s. The test consists of 141 questions and provides 15 main scores, including a total EI score, two Area scores, and four Branch scores. The total EI score ranges from 50 to 150, equivalent to three levels of EI (developing, competent, high performance).

The MSCEIT™ has proven to be a reliable and valid assessment tool. However, it may not capture all aspects of emotional intelligence comprehensively.

Access 

The MSCEIT™ is accessible via academic journals and research databases, including in the relevant articles listed in the references section. Prior to usage, permission from the authors or copyright holders may be necessary. Contact the authors directly or consult the articles for more information on the availability and permissions.

Reference 

Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey & D. J. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence (pp. 3–31). Basic Books.

Mayer, J. D., Salovey, P., & Caruso, D. R. (2000). Models of emotional intelligence. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.), Handbook of intelligence (pp. 396–420). Cambridge University Press.

Mayer, J. D., Salovey, P., Caruso, D. R., & Sitarenios, G. (2003). Measuring emotional intelligence with the MSCEIT V2.0. Emotion, 3(1), 97–105. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/1528-3542.3.1.97

Mayer, J. D., Salovey, P., & Caruso, D. R. (n.d.). Mayer-Salovery-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. Multi-Health Systems, Inc. https://storefront.mhs.com/collections/msceit