Probing the Predictive Power of Cultural Intelligence on Iranian EFL learners' performance on IELTS writing test

Abstract

This research effort examined the relationship between Iranian EFL learners’ Cultural intelligence (CQ) and their performance on the IELTS Writing Module. Furthermore, this study explored the predictive power of the four subscales of CQ on EFL learners’ writing ability. In addition, we tried to examine whether the difference between male and female learners’ CQ was statistically significant. To this end, eighty three EFL learners, both male and female, participated in this project. Cultural Intelligence Scale and IELTS Writing Module were used in this study. The IELTS Writing Module and the Cultural Intelligence Scale were administered to those test takers who were willing to take part in this study. The results revealed that there exists a significant relationship between EFL learners’ CQ and their writing ability. Moreover, among the subscales of CQ, cognitive CQ was found to be the best predictor of writing ability. Finally, male and female EFL learners were not different with regard to CQ. The results are discussed and pedagogical implications are provided.