A modification of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale using multivariate generalizability theory

Abstract

We modified the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) using multivariate generalizability theory (MGT), a measurement system in which the focus is on multiple universe scores within a specific generalization universe. Application of MGT comprises conducting a generalizability study to analyze and estimate the associations among various factors, the number of factors, and the initial measurement design process, as well as a decision study to explore changes in the generalized coefficient and reliability indices when the number of items in the measure is changed. We conducted a generalizability study with 210 students from Shanghai and Anhui Province China, and performed item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, then modified the scale using MGT to create a modified edition of the EIS and tested item and factor reliability and validity with another 1,339 students from Shanghai and Anhui Province. Results revealed better reliability and validity than the original EIS, with each factor making a more balanced contribution to the total variance. The modified Chinese EIS will be useful for future emotional intelligence research.