The Convergent, Discriminant, and Incremental Validity of Scores on a Self-Report Measure of Cultural Intelligence

Abstract

The article reports the results of three studies designed to extend the psychometric analyses of cultural intelligence (CQ) and to examine its utility in the prediction of cross-cultural adaptation. The first study supported the proposed four-factor (Cognitive, Meta-cognitive, Motivational, and Behavioral) structure of CQ in a large sample of international students ( N = 346). The second study ( N = 118) revealed a strong correlation (r = .82) between CQ and emotional intelligence and failed to support the incremental validity of CQ scores in the prediction of psychological, sociocultural, and academic adaptation in international students. The final study ( N = 102) established discriminant validity ( r = .04) between scores of CQ and a test of general cognitive ability (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) and convergent validity across scores of the CQ and Multicultural Personality Questionnaire subscales; however, CQ scores did not demonstrate additional incremental validity in the prediction of adaptive outcomes. The results are discussed in relation to issues arising from the use of self-report measures for the assessment of cultural intelligence and the utility of the CQ measure in international and intercultural settings.