Testing the claims of self-perceived high intuitives: Their accuracy and biases when predicting relationship outcomes

Two studies examine the beliefs, experiences and claims of individuals believing themselves to be highly intuitive. Study 1 provides a quantifiable profile of self-perceived high intuitiveness in which previous claims relating to one's intuitive capabilities (cf. Rogers & Wiseman, 2005-06) are verified. Study 2 then investigates whether intuitives are better at predicting potential friendships (blind dates outcomes) or whether they are more prone to optimistic, overconfidence, awareness and/or generalised response biases than controls. The impact of having stronger intuitions was also examined. In support of their claims, intuitives were better at predicting blind dates outcomes and were just as prone to optimistic, overconfidence, a lack of performance awareness and generalised response biases as were controls. Interestingly strength of intuitions was unrelated to predictive accuracy. Possible explanations and methodological issues are discussed.