The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test: test-retest reliability of a Swedish version

Cogn Neuropsychiatry. 2009 Mar;14(2):127-43. doi: 10.1080/13546800902901518.

Abstract

Introduction: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test is a widely used facial affect recognition test. The present study aimed to provide Swedish nonpatient reference values, examine test-retest reliability, and to elucidate strengths and weaknesses of the instrument.

Methods: A Swedish version of the test was completed by 158 university students. Fifty-eight participants completed the test twice, 3 weeks apart. The Bland Altman method was used to examine the test-retest reliability.

Results: Distribution of responses of the 158 participants is detailed and compared with the English version. The limits of agreement was +/-4.3.

Conclusions: A test score variation in the range of +/-4 (out of 24 possible) is to be expected for the same individual. When the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test is used, one has to take into account that an obtained test score must be regarded as an approximation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / physiology*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Facial Expression*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sweden
  • Young Adult