Purpose of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) primarily aims to assess an individual’s ability to understand others’ emotions, intentions, and thoughts exclusively through visual stimuli, such as the eyes and facial expressions. It is mainly intended for use with research or clinical samples of adults or adolescents and is frequently employed for the early detection of socio-cognitive difficulties in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), neurodegenerative conditions, or brain injuries. Researchers worldwide, particularly in developmental psychology and psychiatry, use this tool due to its diagnostic sensitivity.

Questionnaire (Scale) Analysis

The most well-known form of the Theory of Mind visual test is the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), which was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his research team at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. It was initially developed in 1997 and revised in 2001. The test includes 36 photographs of adult pairs of eyes, each accompanied by 4 verbal options describing possible mental or emotional states. The participant is asked to select the option that best describes each photograph. The RMET does not include subscales but yields a total score. Other visual Theory of Mind tests include the Animated Triangle Task and the Strange Stories Test.

Scoring of Questions

Each correct answer on the RMET is awarded 1 point. The final score is the sum of correct responses and ranges from 0 to 36. Interpretation of the score is based on comparison with statistical data from normative reference groups. The procedure lasts approximately 10–20 minutes. The test does not include subscales.

Statistical Analysis

The total score ranges from 0 (no correct answers) to 36 (all correct). A higher score indicates increased empathy and ability to understand social cues. Typical scores for the general population range from about 22 to 30. Lower scores may suggest socio-cognitive difficulties. Statistical analyses use means, standard deviations, and group comparisons (e.g., ASD group versus control group).

Validity of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The validity of the RMET has been documented internationally. Studies have shown that the test reliably distinguishes individuals with ASD from the general population. Furthermore, it shows significant correlations with other Theory of Mind tools, such as the Strange Stories and Faux Pas Test. In Greece, the test has been used in research with satisfactory results for both comparative and discriminant validity.

Reliability of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The reliability of the RMET is satisfactory. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) ranges between 0.70 and 0.80 in studies of the general population. In addition, good test-retest reliability has been reported over a 2-week interval. Its psychometric properties make it a reliable tool for socio-cognitive assessment.

References

Greek Literature
Kosmidou, M. (Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).
International Literature
Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Hill, J., Raste, Y., & Plumb, I. (2001). The “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” Test revised version: A study with normal adults, and adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 42(2), 241–251.
Frith, U., & Frith, C. (2003). Development and neurophysiology of mentalizing. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 358, 459–473.

Keywords

Questionnaire, scale, test, study, research, demographic questions, demographic data, quantitative research, quantitative analysis, reliability, validity, psychometric tests, sampling, research proposal, counseling support, counseling service, closed-ended questions, survey questionnaire, measurement scale, research hypothesis, data analysis, statistical analysis, research proposal, response analysis, field study, translation.