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Cognitive Ability, Emotional Intelligence, and the Big Five Personality Dimensions as Predictors of Criminal Investigator Performance

NCJ Number
235148
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 471-491
Author(s)
Masakatsu Ono; Daniel A. Sachau; William P. Deal; David R. Englert; Michael D. Taylor
Date Published
May 2011
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the validity of emotional intelligence (EI) and the five-factor model (FFM) of personality in relation with cognitive ability.
Abstract
This study examines the extent to which cognitive ability, the Big Five factor personality dimensions, and emotional intelligence are related to training and job performance of U.S. Federal criminal investigators. Training performance measures were collected during a 17-week training program. Job performance measures were collected 1 year after the investigators completed the training program. Conscientiousness was modestly related to training performance. Cognitive ability and emotional intelligence were positively correlated with job performance. Neuroticism was negatively correlated with job performance. The relative benefits of using emotional intelligence and the five-factor model to select law enforcement agents are discussed. (Published Abstract)