Which, if any, is more important in your opinion and why: Cognitive

Intelligence (IQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI). 

When psychologists began to think of intelligence they thought mainly about cognitive aspects like memory and problem solving.

Cognitive intelligence is "The ability to learn new things, recall information, think rationally, apply knowledge and solve problems" (Kaplan and Sadock 1991).

Emotional intelligence is "A form of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action". (Mayer and Salovey, 1997 p.106)

I feel that both cognitive and emotional intelligence play a huge part in our life's and that you may be required to use each, at different stages of your everyday life.
I think that it is essential to have both emotional and cognitive intelligence in the social care profession. Being able to understand people's emotions and thoughts are the skills needed to work better in this profession.

According to Goleman he explained that it there are five domains in emotional intelligence. These five domains are very essential for people to understand when working with people in a social care setting.




1. Knowing your emotions.
2. Managing your own emotions.
3. Motivating yourself.
4. Recognising and understanding other people's emotions.
5. Managing relationships, i.e. managing the emotions of others

(Goleman 1995 cited in Bocchino 1999,p.13:14)

Although emotional intelligence plays a large part in the social care profession, It is always good to apply your cognitive ability to discuss and solve problems that may occur. Being able to apply knowledge to your job would help you have a better understanding of the achievements you would like to make.

The debate between weather cognitive intelligence or emotional intelligence is more important has left me to feel that I personally think that both are valuable as without having IQ people would feel less experienced about certain circumstances and problems that can occur in your life. Without EI people would find it hard to understand each other, and to make relationships and friendships.

Reference List

Gadomski, M, A. (1996- 2007) Cognitive intelligence is one of ill defined concepts. [online] Available from: http://erg4146.casaccia.enea.it/cog-intel.htm Accessed: [03/12/12]

Singh, D. (Ed). (2006) Emotional intelligence at work. Third edition.New Delhi :Sage publications
Bocchino, R. (1999) Emotional Literacy To be a different kind of smart. US: Sage publications.
Shutterstock. (2003) Shutterstock. [online] Available from: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-61582312/stock-photo-brain-activity-intelligence-cognitive-function.html. Accessed: [1/12/2012]
Humbert, T. (2011) Come recommended. [online] Available from: http://comerecommended.com/blog/2011/08/19/emotional-intelligence-the-new-aspect-in-hiring/. Accessed: [7/12/2012] 

Blakesley, S. (2010)  IQ vs EQ. [online] Available from: http://www.targetthebook.com/tag/emotional-intelligence/. Accessed: [7/12/12]