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Original Article

What Makes You Think You're so Smart?

Measured Abilities, Personality, and Sex Differences in Relation to Self-Estimates of Multiple Intelligences

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1027/1614-0001.29.1.35

Abstract. This study examined the correlates of self-estimated levels of the eight abilities of Gardner's (1983) “multiple intelligences” framework. Participants (N = 200) estimated their own levels of the eight abilities, completed two maximum performance tests of each ability, and provided self-ratings of their personality characteristics. As observed in previous research, most participants tended to overestimate their levels of ability in most of the intelligence domains. Self-estimated ability levels were generally only modestly correlated with measured levels of the same ability, and tended to show equally strong correlations with personality variables. Sex differences were observed for self-estimates of some abilities, and these sex differences were largely independent of measured ability and personality. It was concluded that high levels of self-estimated ability were related to being male, having high measured ability, and being high in Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Openness to Experience, and low in Emotionality.

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