Efficacy of Technology-Enhanced Assessment Tools in Measuring Adolescent Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical component of adolescent development, influencing social, academic, and personal outcomes. Traditional EI assessment methods, such as self-report questionnaires, are often limited by subjectivity and reduced engagement. This study explores the effectiveness of technology-enhanced tools in addressing these limitations. By focusing on EI components such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, the study evaluates the accuracy, engagement, and user satisfaction of technology-driven assessments compared to traditional methods. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design, conducted among public secondary school students (aged 13 to 18 years) in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 238 participants were drawn from 12 local government areas across six educational districts. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups, with traditional self-report questionnaires used for the former and an AI-driven gamified platform for the latter. Quantitative data were collected over six weeks and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Results indicated that technology-enhanced tools were significantly more effective in the measurement of adolescents' emotional intelligence, yielding a mean EI score of 85.12 compared to 72.34 for traditional methods (p < 0.05). Adolescents rated technology-driven tools highly for engagement (mean = 4.72) and satisfaction (mean = 4.68). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between user engagement and accuracy in measuring EI components, affirming the efficacy of these tools in capturing nuanced emotional responses. The findings highlight the transformative role of technology in EI assessment, offering educators and counsellors accurate and engaging tools to support adolescent emotional development. Recommendations include the adoption of such tools in schools, training programs for educators, and further research on their long-term impacts. By bridging gaps in traditional assessments, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of technology and emotional intelligence.