Several changes and advancements were made within the science behind EQ-i 2.0. While some of these changes are merely basic improvements over the previous version, others reflect major shifts in society and use of the assessment, and they will make a vast difference for assessment users.
With our rigorous process in building a large and highly representative normative sample, we set the basis for precise performance prediction. The EQ-i 2.0 normative sample includes 4,000 self-report ratings from adults residing in the U.S. (90% of the sample) and Canada (10% of the sample).
Data were gathered from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as from all ten Canadian provinces. This sample includes 200 men and 200 women in each of the following age groups: 18–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 60–64, 65+. Race/ethnicity, education level, and geographic region distributions are all within 4% of Census targets. This close match to Census means that the EQ-i 2.0 normative sample is highly representative of the North American general population; therefore meeting the highest scientific standards for norm sample development.
The need for an updated normative sample is of paramount importance, given the dramatic shift in cultural diversity levels, as well as changing attitudes and value systems in the North American population that have occurred since the original EQ-i was released.
Reliability refers to the consistency or precision of scores (i.e., how consistently does the EQ-i 2.0 measure emotional intelligence?), and validity refers to how effectively the EQ-i 2.0 measures emotional intelligence (i.e., how well does the EQ-i 2.0 do what it is supposed to do).
Based on results from numerous statistical analyses, users of the EQ-i 2.0 can be confident that the scores generated by this assessment will be consistent and reliable. Results also revealed that the EQ-i 2.0 very accurately measures emotional intelligence. For example, decades of research now show the effectiveness of the EQ-i in measuring emotional intelligence, related concepts, and relevant outcomes. A very strong relationship has been found between the scores on the original EQ-i and the EQ-i 2.0 & EQ-360