The Predictive Power of Emotional Intelligence Subscales for Iranian Academic EFL Learners’ Use of Listening Metacognitive Strategies: What Part Does Gender Have to Play?

ABSTRACT: The main preoccupation of the researchers in the current study was exploring the predictive validity of different subscales of Bar-Onʹs emotional intelligence construct in relation to the use of listening metacognitive strategies. To conduct the study, one hundred and twenty male and female Iranian academic learners were selected from Urmia state and Azad universities and Salmas Azad University. Data collection phase commenced by asking the participants to sit the listening comprehension part of the TOEFL, which acted as the homogeneity test in the current study. Subsequent to this introductory stage, Bar-Onʹs emotional intelligence test, and listening metacognitive strategies questionnaire were administered to the remaining 112 learners. The analysis of data via running regression and t-test analysis (using SPSS 18) revealed that Interpersonal and Adaptability scales of Bar-Onʹs questionnaire had the greatest predictive power for the use of listening metacognitive strategies. Finally, based on the obtained results, gender was reported to have no effect on the relationship between emotional intelligence and use of metacognitive strategies in listening.