Question

The ability to monitor one's own and others' emotions, to discriminate among them and to use the information to guide one's thinking and actions is called:

• A. Social intelligence
• B. Emotional intelligence
• C. Interpersonal intelligence
• D. Abstract intelligence

Hint:

Remember the keyword “emotions”. Whenever a question involves understanding, monitoring, or managing emotions of self and others, the answer is usually Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) is a set of skills that helps individuals manage their own emotions and navigate social interactions effectively.
The concept was formalized by Peter Salovey and John Mayer, who defined it as a type of social intelligence.
Unlike general intelligence (IQ), which focuses on cognitive logic and problem-solving, EI focuses on the "affective" (feeling) domain of human existence.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The definition provided in the question is the word-for-word standard definition of Emotional Intelligence used in psychological literature. It encompasses several core processes:
1. Appraisal and Expression: Monitoring your own emotions to understand what you are feeling and identifying emotions in others through non-verbal cues like tone and facial expressions.
2. Discrimination: Being able to distinguish between complex emotional states (e.g., distinguishing between sadness and disappointment).
3. Utilization: Using that emotional awareness to guide cognitive processes, like making a decision or being creative.
4. Regulation: Controlling or managing emotional responses to suit the social context or personal goals.
Evaluating other options:
(A) Social Intelligence: This refers to the general ability to understand and manage people. While related, EI is a more specific subset focused on the emotional data within those interactions.
(C) Interpersonal Intelligence: Part of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory, which focuses on understanding others. EI is broader because it includes intrapersonal (understanding self) aspects too.
(D) Abstract Intelligence: This is the ability to understand symbols, logical relations, and complex theories (like advanced math or philosophy). It is largely measured by standard IQ tests and is the opposite of the emotional/social domain.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The sentence in the question describes the full cycle of identifying, distinguishing, and applying emotional data.
This is the hallmark of Emotional Intelligence.