EQ
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Emotional quotient |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Technology & Computing, Arts & Entertainment |
EQ has three meanings. The most common are Emotional quotient (psychology) and Equalizer (consumer electronics); it can also stand for Equalization.
Meanings of EQ at a glance
| # | EQ stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emotional quotient | Science & Engineering › Psychology |
| 2 | Equalizer | Technology & Computing › Consumer Electronics |
| 3 | Equalization | Arts & Entertainment › Music |
1. Emotional quotient
Science & Engineering · Psychology Abbreviations
Popular term for emotional intelligence, the ability to perceive, understand, use and manage emotions in oneself and others, presented as a counterpart to IQ. EQ is widely used in business, leadership training and self-help, often measured with self-report questionnaires.
Example: The leadership course claims to raise managers' EQ through feedback and coaching exercises.
The phrase spread after Daniel Goleman's 1995 bestseller Emotional Intelligence. Psychologists generally prefer "EI," since emotional intelligence is not calculated as a quotient the way early IQ scores were. Reuven Bar-On's EQ-i questionnaire uses the EQ label. Claims that EQ matters more than IQ for success are not well supported by research.
2. Equalizer
Technology & Computing · Consumer Electronics Abbreviations
Audio control that boosts or cuts specific frequency bands, such as bass, midrange and treble, to shape the sound of music, voices or a room. It appears in music apps, headphones' companion apps, car stereos and mixing software.
Example: Turn down the bass in the EQ; the podcast sounds muddy on these speakers.
Graphic equalizers use fixed bands shown as sliders, such as 10-band EQs, while parametric equalizers let users choose frequency, gain and bandwidth (Q) for precise adjustments. Audio engineers use EQ to separate instruments in a mix. In psychology, EQ means emotional quotient, unrelated to sound.
3. Equalization
Arts & Entertainment · Music Abbreviations
Adjustment of the balance of frequency ranges in a sound, boosting or cutting bass, midrange or treble. Engineers use EQ on individual tracks and full mixes to add clarity and make room for each instrument.
Example: Cut a little EQ around 300 Hz to clean up the muddy guitar.
Graphic equalizers use fixed frequency bands with sliders, while parametric equalizers let the user set frequency, gain and bandwidth. A high-pass filter removes low rumble. In psychology EQ means emotional intelligence (emotional quotient).
Related abbreviations
More psychology abbreviations
- DV – Dependent variable
- EI – Emotional intelligence
- ELM – Elaboration likelihood model
- EMDR – Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- ERP – Event-related potential
- FAE – Fundamental attribution error
- FFM – Five-factor model
- fMRI – Functional magnetic resonance imaging
See all 62 psychology abbreviations →