Validation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index in the Arab context: Results and implications of a Moroccan study

Abstract

The Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) is an extensively used self-report measure of musical skills and behaviours; however, to-date, no validated Arabic translation of the Gold MCI exists. This study reports on the Gold-MSI validation in the Moroccan setting. Our sample consisted of Moroccan adults (n = 660). Psychometric properties revealed good internal consistency (coefficient α = 0.93, the McDonald’s ω = 0.93, and Guttman’s Lambda = 0.95); and revealed a good fit: CFI = 0.83, RMSEA = 0.067, and SRMR = 0.068. The Arabic version of Gold-MSI appears to be a reliable and valid measure of musical skills and behaviours in the Moroccan setting.