SLODR-house rules: EI tests less g loaded in higher ability groups

•Spearman's Law of Diminishing Returns (SLODR) applies to emotional intelligence.•Minimal g loadings for EI and emerging domains may reflect analyses of high ability samples.•EI is most relevant to high-complexity, emotionally-laden occupations.

Spearman's Law of Diminishing Returns (SLODR) refers to the finding that cognitive ability tests tend to be less correlated and less g loaded for higher ability samples than for lower ability samples. However, it has been unknown whether SLODR applies to the domain of emotional intelligence. Analyses document SLODR effects for the Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). These results suggest that reports of minimal g loadings for emotional intelligence batteries may have reflected the use of high ability samples. Broader conclusions suggest that g loadings for emerging ability domains should be based on data collected from broad cognitive ability samples because the use of higher ability samples will systematically underestimate g loadings and cannot be accurately corrected for direct range restriction.