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The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test Shows Poor Psychometric Properties in a Large, Demographically Representative
Wendy C Higgins1, Robert M Ross1, Robyn Langdon1
1Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Assessment
|September 20, 2022
Summary
The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) shows weak psychometric properties and uncertain validity. Caution is advised when using this popular theory of mind (ToM) measure.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) is a common tool for assessing theory of mind (ToM).
- Concerns exist regarding the psychometric integrity of the RMET.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the RMET in a large, representative U.S. adult sample.
- To investigate if the RMET's factor structure differs between individuals with high and low scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-28).
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis was performed on data from 1,181 U.S. adults.
- Factor structures were compared between subgroups based on AQ-28 scores.
Main Results:
- Overlapping but distinct three-factor models were identified for the full sample and subgroups.
- All identified models demonstrated inadequate fit.
- Approximately 25% of RMET items failed to meet original validation criteria.
Conclusions:
- The RMET exhibits weak psychometric properties and questionable item validity.
- Significant caution is recommended when employing the RMET for ToM assessment.
Keywords:
Reading the Mind in the Eyes testautism quotientconstruct validityfactor analysistheory of mindMore Related Videos
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