Intelligence, gender, and assessment method affect the accuracy of self-estimated intelligence

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Self-estimates of intelligence (SEI) significantly impact task engagement and performance.
• SEI are known to be susceptible to various forms of distortion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distortion effects on SEI based on individual differences in intelligence (IQ) and gender.
• To compare distortion levels between proximal and distal SEI assessment methods.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 200 British adults participated in the study.
• Individual differences in IQ, gender, and SEI were assessed using both proximal and distal measures.

Main Results:

• Lower IQ individuals exhibited greater SEI misestimation, particularly with distal assessments.
• Gender differences in SEI distortion were observed, being more pronounced in distal measures.
• Proximal SEI were less distorted and showed a stronger correlation with actual IQ compared to distal SEI.

Conclusions:

• Distal SEI assessment methods are more prone to gender- and IQ-related distortions.
• Understanding SEI distortion is crucial for accurate cognitive assessments and interventions.