Digitizing intelligence assessment: towards a culturally relevant tool for Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Digital transformation is revolutionizing cognitive assessment, but its application in Morocco faces challenges linked to multilingualism, disparities in technological access and the need for cultural adaptation of tools, often of foreign origin (high income-countries).

Objective: This study explores the conditions and factors for the adoption of a culturally adapted numerical intelligence test in the Moroccan context, based on the perceptions of mental health and education professionals.

Methods:  A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted (March-April 2025) among 170 Moroccan mental health and education professionals via an online questionnaire based on the UTAUT2 model. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlations, t-tests, ANOVA and linear and logistic regressions.

Results: Participants consider cultural and linguistic adaptation crucial (M=3.84-3.85/5), but express low competence in digital testing (M=1.86/5), and point to major institutional barriers: lack of equipment (M=1.89/5), cost (M=3.94/5), and fears about cybersecurity (M=4.06/5). Intention to use these tools was positively correlated with perceived facilitators (r=+0.41) and negatively with institutional barriers (r=-0.39). Female subjects showed a significantly higher intention to adopt (d=0.41). Facilitators (β=+0.51) and institutional barriers (β=-0.44) were the main predictors of intention (R²=0.33).

Conclusion: The adoption of digital intelligence tests in Morocco is mainly hampered by institutional constraints and motivated by the expected benefits, cultural adaptation being considered as a fundamental step. A successful implementation strategy must combine strong institutional support (training, equipment), demonstration of concrete benefits, and rigorous psychometric validation to ensure cultural and linguistic relevance.