The factor structure and cross-test convergence of the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso model of emotional intelligence

A series of studies over the past decade has examined empirical evidence of the validity of the Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Test (MEIS) and the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Scale (MSCEIT), concentrating in particular on whether these tests’ internal structures are consistent with the theory on which they are built. Such evidence has been equivocal, and previous studies have noted the number of indicators per factor as an analytic limitation. The lack of evidence establishing convergence between the two tests has also been noted. This study seeks to (a) examine the convergence between these two tests of emotional intelligence (EI), and (b) reexamine the factor structure of EI using an appropriate number of indicators per factor. A high degree of convergence between the two tests was found, but, consistent with some previous studies, only partial support was found for the proposed factor structure of both tests. These findings are discussed in the context of the larger validity argument surrounding these tests and the emotional intelligence construct.