A Test-Retest Reliability Study of the Residual Music Skills Test

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the test-retest reliability of the Residual Music Skills Test (RMST, York, 1994), developed by the author to systematically identify musical skills of persons diagnosed with Possible and Probable Alzheimer identify musical skills of persons diagnosed with Possible and Probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Subjects in early to middle stages of AD were identified at American nursing homes, adult day centres, and Alzheimer's centres who met inclusion criteria. Subjects were administered the RMST initially and again after a two-week interval. Ninety-five subjects completed the testing procedure. Data analysis consisted of descriptive analyses, one-way ANOVA procedures, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient to determine the magnitude of the relationship between test and retest scores. Correlational analysis revealed a test-retest correlation coefficient of 9168, indicating high test-retest reliability. The ANOVA procedure examined factors of location, age, and musical training on the test results. No significant interactions were evident in regard to location (p < .32), age (p < .06), or musical training (p < 83). The RMST is believed to be a useful quantitative tool for assessing and documenting the musical skills of persons with Possible and Probable Alzheimer's disease. When used in conjunction with facility-based assessments currently used in American nursing homes and adult day facilities, the RMST may prove useful in referral and in documenting treatment outcomes in music therapy.

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