https://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12561">
 

UNH Personality Lab

Abstract

Objective

We explore accurate self-knowledge versus overconfidence in personal intelligence—a “broad” intelligence about personality. The theory of personal intelligence proposes that people vary in their ability to understand the traits, goals, plans, and actions of themselves and others. We wondered who accurately knew that they were higher in personal intelligence and who did not, and whether individuals with more accurate estimates were distinguishable from others in their psychological characteristics.

Method

Three archival data sets were identified that included both self-estimates and objective measures of personal intelligence: The measures were the Self-Estimated Personal Intelligence scale (SEPI) and the Test of Personal Intelligence (TOPI).

Results

People who were over-confident—overestimating their ability-level of personal intelligence—were positive in their outlook and more sociable. People who provided the most accurate self-estimates were higher in verbal and personal intelligences, more open, and more conscientious than others.

Conclusions

People who were accurate about themselves have not been studied before in this context but may, for example, serve as the monitors and thinkers who help keep themselves and others reasonable and on track.

Publication Date

7-1-2020

Publisher

Wiley

Journal Title

Journal of Personality

Document Type

Article

Comments

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Mayer, J.D., Panter, A. T., & Caruso, D.R. (2020). When People Estimate their Personal Intelligence Who is Overconfident? Who is Accurate? Journal of Personality, which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12561. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.

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