Development and validation of a computerized test of perception of primary emotions

Abstract

In the last decade several studies have emerged concerning the relations between emotion and intelligence based on the idea that emotions bring information about organism-environment relationships and one ability to recognize the meaning of that information, utilizes this information in thinking as a guide to our actions could lead to more intelligent behavior in respect to adaptation to the environment. These ideas were assembled in a new construct named emotional intelligence. One of the main problems faced in this field is related to the creation of valid measures for the construct. Some instruments have been proposed based on self-report questionnaires but they had been questioned because of the well known fact that self-report measures of abilities doesn’t correlate with actual estimated abilities obtained on more traditional intelligence tests involving problem solving. Other instruments composed by problem solving tasks have been also proposed but the creation of these items encounter some difficulties concerning the identification of the correct answer. The aim of project is to construct a computerized test of the perception of primary emotions (anger, disgust, anticipation, joy, acceptance, sadness, surprise, fear) using videos of facial expressions. The study was divided into two parts. On the first part it is intended to create items (videos) by following a systematic procedure in order to identify the correct answer. On the second study the videos will be edited and will compose items of the computerized test that will show them to the subjects who will be asked to identify what emotions are being expressed in these videos. This study will apply the test on 300 subjects that will also answer to the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), Battery of Reasoning Tests (BPR-5) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. By the analysis of the item internal structure and the the relationships with external variables it is intended to investigate the reliability and validity of the test. (AU)