1. Which, if any, is more important in your opinion and why: Cognitive Intelligence (IQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Intelligence involves around the amount of knowledge a person has. To decide whether cognitive intelligence (IQ) or emotional intelligence (EI) is more important is a tough decision as they are both needed to achieve different things.

Cognitive Intelligence is “The ability to learn new things, recall information, think rationally, apply knowledge, and solve problems” (Kaplan & Sadock 1991).

This type of intelligence is very important in life as it is needed to do well in important tests such as the leaving cert. Cognitive intelligence is also referred to as intelligent quotient (IQ). There are many tests where you can discover what your IQ is. An IQ test compares your mental abilities to other people the same age as you. For an 18 year old in Ireland an average IQ score is 100.

http://www.iqtest.com/

Sample IQ Result Sheet

Emotional intelligence is “To effectively understand and express ourselves, to understand and relate well with others, and to successfully cope with daily demands, challenges and pressures”. (Bar-On, 2007)

Emotional intelligence (EI) is also very important as it is used to get through daily life. Our level of emotional intelligence determines how good a relationship we have with our friends and family, how satisfied we are with our life in general and how well we can adapt to changes. A low level of EI can result in violent behaviour and drug or alcohol abuse.

After exploring both cognitive and emotional intelligence separately, I have come to the decision that both are important, but emotional intelligence is more important. I decided this because although cognitive intelligence is needed to do well academically, this is not everything in life. I find it more important to be able to deal well with others and cope with the daily stress that life brings. A high level of EI is important to have a good quality relationship with the people who we care about in life which is essential, it also enables us to overcome difficulties and be satisfied and proud of our lives. 

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References:

• Definition of IQ www.iqtest.com accessed 06/12/2012 
• Lecture notes by David Cooke 
• http://www.canstockphoto.com/illustration/iq.html [IQ image] accessed 06/12/2012
• http://stuthewise.com/?tag=59 [IQ results image] accessed 06/12/2012
• http://www.successinteaching.info/SuccessInTeaching/Emotional_Intelligence.html [Emotional intelligence image] accessed 06/12/2012
• http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_image_pages/0110-0910-0814-2457.html [Friends image] accessed 06/12/2012