Question

After viewing the three videos on Emotional Intelligence, how does the absence or presence of this kind of intelligence affect interpersonal communication and how does it line up with concepts in the module? Are IQ and EQ mutually exclusive? Give examples and support your points. Videos: https://youtu.be/r3wyCxHtGd0 https://youtu.be/Y7m9eNoB3NU https://youtu.be/OoLVo3snNA0

Answer 1

According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence refers to an individual’s ability to effectively understand and regulate his/her emotional experiences and interpersonal communication according to the cultural norms and values of his/her society. Thus, EQ or the index of emotional intelligence denotes an individual’s ability to understand his or her own emotional responses to a situation, make a sensible differentiation between external factors and their inner experiences and use intrinsic locus of control as the motivating factor. It therefore helps an individual communicate competently and manage relationships more effectively. Emotional Quotientt or EQ is differentiated from intelligence quotient (IQ) as the latter is used as an index of general intelligence or the ability to solve problems competently according to the social norms and cultural values. Most IQ measures test an individual’s level of abstract reasoning, verbal ability, mathematical-mechanical reasoning, etc. However, EQ measures on the other hand scan an individual’s ability to identify and recognise different emotional expressions, use appropriate emotional messages in communicating with others and also display the skill of empathy or the ability to put oneself in other’s shoes and understand their experiences with sensitivity. Thus, it is correct to say that EQ and IQ are mutually exclusive concepts.