Before you start
Consider the following before starting to search for measurement instruments. Content adapted from the University of Michigan.
Published vs.
Unpublished Tests
Published tests or measurements are available for purchase from the test publisher. Certification or permission from the publisher and author(s) might be required to administer these tests.
Unpublished tests or measurements are not available commercially but might be included in articles, studies and dissertations. These tests are also under copyright and you should request permission to use these tests by contacting the author(s).
How do I ...
Be Patient
Finding a test or measurement instrument can be challenging at times and requires patience. You will likely need to consult several different resources, online databases and books but don't give up. If you need additional help please contact your liaison librarian.
Remember...
Always get permission from a test's author before using the test.
Find a known test
Step 1: Check the Leadership Instruments Library compiled by Dr. Karen Ford and Dr. Sam Nickels with help from the SSLS department.
Step 2: Check in PsycNET. Put a couple of key words from the test name into the search box, and change the dropdown menu from Any Field to Test Name.
Step 3: Check for the test in our dissertations database.
Step 4: Check for the test in ERIC. Go to Advanced Search and limit Publication Type to Tests/Questionnaires.
Step 5: Search the ETS Test Link database.
Step 6: Try the JMU Library Catalog.
- search the test name as a keyword
- search on a combination of Note "Gift" and Form/Genre "psychological tests
Step 7: Try Google.
Step 8: Try Google Books.
Find a test on a topic
Step 1: Consult an index of tests. JMU subscribes to two databases for this:
- PsycTESTS This link opens in a new windowContains psychological tests, measures, scales, surveys, and other assessments. Focuses primarily on unpublished tests developed by researchers.
- HAPI (Health and Psychosocial Instruments) This link opens in a new windowBehavioral tests and measurements in health fields, psychosocial sciences.
Step 2: Find an article or research study similar to your study that uses or describes a test on your topic.
- PsycINFO This link opens in a new window
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Content type(s): Journal articles, book chapters, and dissertations in psychology.
Dates covered: 1872-present - ERIC This link opens in a new window
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Content type(s): Scholarly journals and books on education topics
Dates covered: Current - Dissertations & Theses: Global This link opens in a new windowContent type(s): Full text for doctoral dissertations and master's theses.
Dates covered: 1861-present - Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
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Content types: Peer-reviewed journals about business and non-profits
Dates covered: 1922-present
Step 3: Consult books or resources that describe tests categorized by topic.
- Search for books in the JMU Library Catalog using the subject
"Educational tests and measurements" - Search Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests in Print
Find a test review
Test reviews can be found in reference works and in journal articles.
Remember that not every test will have a published review.
- Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests in Print This link opens in a new windowDescriptive information and critical reviews of more than 2,000 commercially-available standardized tests.
- HAPI (Health and Psychosocial Instruments) This link opens in a new windowDescriptions of behavioral tests and measurements in health fields, psychosocial sciences.