Test-retest reliability of self-estimated intelligence: Temporal stability over four time periods

Whilst there is a growing interest in self-estimated intelligence, to date in only 1 study has the temporal stability of self-estimated intelligence been examined. A sample of 228 third level students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland completed self-ratings of overall IQ and 10 domains of intelligence over 4 time periods. Although there were increases in mean scores over time, t tests indicated that these were rarely significant. Significant positive correlations, ranging from moderate to strong, were also observed for all intelligences over the 4 time periods. These data suggest that whilst self-estimated intelligence is for the most part stable over time, there is a trend for scores to increase. Methodological limitations of this study are discussed.