Examination of importance ratings and self-estimates in ten domains of intelligence: evidence among a sample of UK and Irish university students

Previous research has demonstrated sex differences favouring males in self-estimates of logical-mathematical and spatial intelligence (e.g., Swami, Furnham, & Kannan, 2006), and has also examined the influence of beliefs about intelligence on how individuals estimate their own intelligence (e.g., Furnham & Ward, 2001). However, though research shows that individuals place a higher value on attributes that they feel they possess (e.g., Baumgardner, 1990), research has not examined the effect in the context of intelligence, for example, the influence of importance ratings of intelligence on self-estimates of intelligence, or whether sex differences exist in importance ratings of intelligence. A sample of 342 UK and Irish distance and evening educated university students provided self-estimates and importance ratings in ten domains of intelligence. Results indicated significant positive associations between importance ratings and self-estimates for each of the ten domains of intelligence. Additionally, males rated themselves significantly higher than did females in logical-mathematical and spatial intelligence, thus supporting previous research. However, a different pattern was evident in sex differences in importance ratings, with females providing significantly higher importance ratings in verbal and interpersonal intelligence than did males. These results provide an important insight into how males and females conceptualise and value intelligence.