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The “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” Test: Investigation of Psychometric Properties and Test–Retest Reliability of the Persian Version

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Abstract

The psychometric properties of the Persian “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test were investigated, so were the predictions from the Empathizing–Systemizing theory of psychological sex differences. Adults aged 16–69 years old (N = 545, female = 51.7 %) completed the test online. The analysis of items showed them to be generally acceptable. Test–retest reliability, as measured by Intra-class correlation coefficient, was 0.735 with a 95 % CI of (0.514, 0.855). The percentage of agreement for each item in the test–retest was satisfactory and the mean difference between test–retest scores was −0.159 (SD = 3.42). However, the internal consistency of Persian version, calculated by Cronbach’s alpha (0.371), was poor. Females scored significantly higher than males but academic degree and field of study had no significant effect.

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Notes

  1. The number in the parenthesis is percentage of participants choosing the target in item 7 in each study.

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Acknowledgments

This study was part of a medical doctorate dissertation which was fully supported by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. SBC was supported by the Autism Research Trust during the period of this work. This article is thoroughly the original work of authors without any financial interest or benefit.

Conflict of interest

It is strictly ascertained that there would be no matter of concern as a subject for conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Evolution and Human Behaviour Group, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, No. 17, Toufigh 9 Lane, Shahid Sadeghi Blv., 91858-84714, Mashhad, Iran

    Behzad S. Khorashad

  2. Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge University, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Rd., Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK

    Simon Baron-Cohen

  3. Evolution and Human Behaviour Group, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, No. 101, 4th Fl., Daneshju 19st, 9188977361, Mashhad, Iran

    Ghasem M. Roshan

  4. Evolution and Human Behaviour Group, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, No. 9, Motahari Shomali 41st, 9193974567, Mashhad, Iran

    Mojtaba Kazemian

  5. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Unit 1221, 100 Lincoln Rd., Miamibeach, FL, 33139, USA

    Ladan Khazai

  6. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Unit 4, No. 134, Asrar 1st, Daneshgah Av., Mashhad, Iran

    Zahra Aghili

  7. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Bu-Ali Sq., Amel Blvd., Mashhad, Iran

    Ali Talaei

  8. Department of Endocrinology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza Sq., Mashhad, Iran

    Mozhgan Afkhamizadeh

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  1. Behzad S. Khorashad
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  2. Simon Baron-Cohen
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Correspondence to Simon Baron-Cohen.

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Khorashad, B.S., Baron-Cohen, S., Roshan, G.M. et al. The “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” Test: Investigation of Psychometric Properties and Test–Retest Reliability of the Persian Version. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 2651–2666 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2427-4

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