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
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

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)