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This guide shows you how to find information about tests and how to find the tests themselves. Generally, the majority of commercially available instruments must be purchased from publishers. Tests that are not commercially available may be found in books, journal articles, printed reports, or available from the author.

All Test and Measurement Databases

Mental Measurements

Contains full text information about and reviews of all English-language standardized tests covering educational skills, personality, vocational aptitude, psychology, and related areas. For each test, the database provides the name of the test author, publication information, scoring information, and the number of the Mental Measurements Yearbook in which the test was described originally. The full text for each record includes reliability and validity, an overview of the test, a description of the test materials and time needed, and one or more reviews of the test.

ETS Test Collection

This test collection contains descriptions of over 25,000 tests and research instruments. However, reliability and validity have not always been established.

You can search The ETS Test collection by the name of the test or topic (keyword). The records in ETS describe the instruments and provide availability information. In some cases, the Education Library has copies of some of these test instruments (test, scale, questionnaire, inventories, etc.) on ETS microfiche in the photocopier room in the black vertical file cabinets next to the copiers. Be sure to write down the ETS Tracking Number, for example: TC922000. If we don't have the item on microfiche, check with a reference staff member to ascertain its availability through another avenue.

Tests and Measures in the Social Sciences: Tests available in Compilation Volumes

This resource indexes tests available in test compilation volumes (books and other items indexing tests). The test itself or just test information may be available depending on the resource. The site was developed by Helen Hough, Health Sciences Librarian, University of Texas at Arlington.

Health & Psychosocial Instruments (HAPI)

This database provides access to information on measurement instruments (i.e., questionnaires, checklists, scales, etc.) in the health fields, psychosocial sciences, organizational behavior, and library and information science. Information about obtaining the instruments is provided in the "abstract" section of the record.

Availability of Tests, Scales, and Inventories

Researchers can attempt to find copies of test instruments such as scales, tests, surveys, etc. in a variety of ways. Some test instruments can be purchased such as the tests listed in the database, Mental Measurements Yearbook . Others can be found on the web, in journal articles, dissertations, on microfiche, etc. In some cases students who want to obtain copies of a test should speak with their advisor as they or the research group with which they are affiliated may have a copy of a test. If you want to use a test instrument and there is no cost associated with obtaining a copy of the test, you must still obtain permission from the person holding copyright (usually the author of the test instrument).

Finding Copies of Tests on the Web using Google

Use Google to try and locate a copy of a testing instrument. The test may be on the webpage Google locates or named in an article reference on the web site. We recommend that you enter the name of the test instrument in quotation marks, for example:
       "keirsey temperament sorter"
Also try variations of the test name should it not appear the first time you search. For example, try
       "myers briggs type indicator"
and also try
        MBTI
Another searching tip is to leave out the author's name. In some cases, tests are referred to by the author's name although in reality the test's title does NOT include the author's name.

Finding Testing Instruments in Dissertations

Some authors of dissertations indicate in their abstract which testing instrument(s) they used. If you search for a particular test by the name of the test in the database, Dissertations and Theses Full Text , you will retrieve citations of dissertations that included the name of the testing instrument in the abstract. In some cases, the test instrument will be in the appendix, but is not mentioned in the dissertation's abstract. You will find it when browsing the dissertation's appendix. If the author has included a copy of the testing instrument, in most cases, the instrument will be located in the appendix of the dissertation. Dissertations in the Dissertations and Theses Full Text database are full-text from 1997. From 1861-1996 you will find a citation and abstract or in some cases, the full text. If you want full text and only the citation and abstract are provided, submit an interlibrary loan request and the Library will try to obtain a print copy of the dissertation for you.

Finding Test Information or Copies of Test Instruments in Databases

Periodical databases are a good source of test information. Research studies using particular tests, scales or inventories with descriptive or critical comments are published in many periodicals. Sometimes sample questions from an instrument or a copy of a survey or an inventory will be included in an article. (Published tests will not normally be included.)

For example, click on the "Databases" link on the VIRGO search page to access articles from the Education Full Text, PsycInfo or ERIC databases. Use keyword searching.

The truncation or wildcard symbol is often a question mark (?). In some databases, the asterisk * is the truncation symbol. This would retrieve variations of the word. For example: bibliograph? would retrieve bibliography, bibliographies, bibliographical, etc.

For example:
gifted and test?
iowa tests basic skills
gifted and (inventor? or survey? or test?)
This later search retrieves articles on inventories, surveys or tests pertaining to the gifted.

The following information on " Searching for Tests in Databases" is slightly modified from the Oregon State University Libraries webpage Finding Psychological Tests and Related Information.

You can always search for the title of a particular test in almost any online database, although this will lead you to articles and documents that may talk about using a measure without actually providing the instrument itself.

PsycInfo
To actually find articles with measures included, add the keyword appended to your search. Start by searching PsycINFO to find the names of tests that have been used in research and written about in the literature. Test names appear in both the Abstract field and the Tests & Measures field. If the document includes the actual test in its entirety, it is marked "Appended" in the Tests & Measures field. APA's Science Directorate is a good source for general information about psychological tests and test publishers. Visit their Testing and Assessment page, which includes a link to frequently asked questions about tests.
Example: parent* and stress and appended

PsycInfo also has a Tests & Measures field where you can specify the name of a test or other keyword to find articles that use a test in the methodology or where the test is being discussed. This is a good way to find information about tests and their use, but not the tests themselves. One way to do this type of search:

• change the drop down menu option to the right of the text box to Tests & Measures
• put the name of a test or a keyword into the text box, e.g. parent* and stress

Psychological & Behavioral Sciences Collection

All the full-text journal titles available here are also indexed in PsycInfo, which gives more information about whether or not a test/instrument is included (see above). But if you want to start your search here, some subject headings of interest:

• Educational tests & measurements
• Psychological tests
• Intelligence tests

Many characteristics are used as subject headings with the subheading testing, for example, frustration - testing

Do a "Subject" search for psychological tests and look at the related terms to get a list.

CINAHL
Select Research Instrument from the "Publication Type" box in the "limit" section and put in appropriate subject or keywords.
Example: use parent* and stress for a search with this limit set.

ERIC

• Ebsco: You can select Tests/Evaluation Instruments from the "Publication Type" limiter for a keyword or subject search
• Cambridge: Go to Advanced Search and type either the number 160 or the phrase tests questionnaires in the box with "Publication Type" selected.

Medline
Useful MESH headings include:

• Questionnaires
• Psychological tests
• Psychometrics
• Process assessment (health care)
• Outcome and process assessment (health care)
• Aptitude tests
• Language tests
• Neuropsychological tests
• Personality tests

Might also try evaluation studies as an "article type" limit

Sociological Abstracts
Useful thesaurus terms might be:

• Attitude measures
• Interviews
• Interview schedules
• Items (measures)
• Mail surveys
• Measures (instruments)
• Personality measures
• Questionnaires
• Scales
• Surveys
• Tests

Finding Copies of Test Instruments on Microfiche: The Tests in Microfiche Collection

The Education Library subscribed to a set called "Tests in Microfiche", a source for more than 800 unpublished research instruments pertaining to a wide range of subject areas. This collection provides a copy of the test. However, the user should note these are unpublished test instruments and, in most if not all cases, the test instrument has not been proven valid or reliable. This does not indicate that it is not valid or reliable: merely that no one has tested it for reliability or validity, thus, the researcher in most cases would need to do this before using the test. You can use the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test Collection database to find tests from this collection. The print index to "Tests in Microfiche" is located on the Test Information area. The call number is LB 3051.E792. The microfiche are located in Alderman Library.

 

Other Resources for Locating Testing Instruments

Tests and Measures in the Social Sciences: Tests available in compilation volumes
These listings were compiled by Helen Hough, Health Sciences Librarian, University of Texas at Arlington.

SDSU Test Finder for Books
This is an index of books that includes test instruments. This index was created by Mark Stover, Head of Reference Services, San Diego State University Library. Mr. Stover notes that approximately 25% of the material in the SDSU Test Finder was adapted from Helen Hough's work and is used with permission.

SDSU Test Finder for Journal Articles
This tool is still in development by Mr. Stover, but it may be useful. The resource indexes complete tests and instruments found in journal articles. The index includes journals from the areas of psychology, nursing, social work, sociology, education, communication, and management.

FAQs About Finding Psychological Tests

The American Psychological Association Science Directorate answers hundreds of calls and emails each year from persons trying to locate the right test or find more information about psychological tests. APA neither sells nor endorses testing instruments, but it does provide guidance in using available resources to find psychological tests. Answers to frequently asked questions are provided here.

Finding Data Sets

The Scholars' Lab provides access to the University's collection of electronic statistical and social science data. The majority of resources are available on-line, but due to server space restrictions and/or licensing requirements, some electronic data are available only on CDs or DVDs. Regardless of format, all of our resources are classified in the system below, and those items available only to the U.Va. community are noted as such. If you cannot find what you are looking for, visit us in Alderman or contact us, and we will try to locate the data you need. The Scholar's Lab also has software such as SPSS installed on computers in the center and staff can provide assistance.

The U.Va. Library Education Services also maintains a list of available data sets.

Descriptive Information and Test Reviews

The books listed below are located on the Test Information Resources bookcase next to the Education Library's Reference Desk. They are shelved by call number unless otherwise noted.

Academic Achievement and Aptitude Testing
Austin, TX: Pro-ed, 1989.
LB 3060.3 .A26 1989

Assessment in Gifted Education
Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1981.
LC 3993.2 .K37

Assessing Sport Skills
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1993.
GV 436.5 .S87 1993

Assessing the Learning Disabled: Selected Instruments
Novato, CA: Academic Therapy Publications, 1981.
LC 4704 .M38 1981

(Buros) Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY database online)
Lincoln, NE, 1938-.
Z 5814 .P8 R93

Business and Industry Testing
Austin, TX: Pro-ed, 1990.
HF 5549.5 .E5 H635 1990

Comprehensive Guide to Sports Skills Tests and Measurement
Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas, Publisher, 1978
GV 436 .C58

A Consumer's Guide to Tests in Print (2nd ed.).
Austin, TX: Pro-ed, 1992.
LB 3060.32 .N67 H36 1992

Dictionary of Behavioral Assessment Techniques
Clinton Corners, New York: Percheron Press, 2002
A reprint of the 1988 edition with a new preface by the editors. A quick reference guide for researchers and clinicians on assessment devices used in widely diverse problems and disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Each of the over 200 entries of behavioral assessment techniques includes a section on description, purpose, development, psychometric characteristics, clinical use, future directions and references. Includes an author index and a user's guide arranged by focus of assessment, the title of the assessment device and the assessment modality.
BF 176.5 .D53

Directory of Psychological Tests in the Sport and Exercise Sciences
Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology, Inc., 1990.
BF 176 .D57 1990

Directory of Test Collections in Academic, Professional, and Research Libraries
Chicago: ACRL, 2001
LB 3051 .D564

Directory of Unpublished Experimental Mental Measures (7 volumes)
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 1997.
(The index for these volumes is located in the test area as well. The call number is BF431 .J29)
BF 431 .D48

Educator's Handbook on Effective Testing
Institute for Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Education, Inc. (EDIE), 2003.
This publication provides thorough overviews of tests used in education. It is a perfect companion to Mental Measurements Yearbook and Test Critiques.
LB 3051 .E395

Encyclopedia of Educational Evaluation
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers:, 1975.
BF 176 .D57 1990

The ETS Test Collection Catalog
Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1986-.
LB 3051 .E79 1992

Handbook of Tests and Measurement in Education and the Social Sciences
Lancaster, PA: Technomic, 2000
LB 3051 .L4543

Handbook of Tests and Measurements for Black Populations (2 volumes)
Hampton Va: Cobb & Henry Publishers, 1996-.
BF 176 .H37

Index to Test Used in Educational Dissertations
Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1989.
LB 3051 .F3 1989

Kirby's Guide to Fitness and Motor Performance Tests
Cape Girardeau, MO: Ben Oak Publishing Company, 1991.
QP 301 .K55 1991

Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes
Ref. BF 698.4 M38 1991 (Biology Psychology Library ONLY)
Entries include description, variables measured, sample, reliability, validity, and source. Many scales are reproduced in their entirety

Mental Measurements Yearbook (see the MMY database online)
This is in IVY STACKS
Lincoln, NE, 1938-.
Z 5814 .P8 R93
Descriptive information, critical reviews, and list of references are provided in the entries of commercially published English language tests. Editions are intended to supplement each other; succeeding volumes include only new or substantially revised tests. The MMY database which is online has an index for all tests. For those who aren't affiliated with U.Va. and can't access the MMY database, you can access an index to MMY called the Mental Measurements Yearbook Test Reviews On-line. This website provides free information (Test reviews are not free.) on more than 4,000 commercially available tests, including current publisher information. You would then need to go to a library that has MMY in print to get a copy of the test review. If a test is now out-of-print, the MMY database will not include a review. You would need to go to the print version to check to see if there was a review when it was in print.

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research : a Sourcebook 2007
New York, 2007
BF176 .C66 2007 v.1 and v.2

Sex and Gender Issues: A Handbook of Tests and Measures
New York: Greenwood Press, 1990.
BF 692 .B38 1990

Sourcebook of Adult Assessment Strategies
New York: Plenum Press, 1995
RC 473 .P78 S38

Special Education and Rehabilitation Testing
Austin, TX: Pro-ed, 1988.
LC 4019 .S585 1988

Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing
Washington, D.C,: American Educational Research Association, 1999
LB 3051 .A693 (
Developed jointly by the APA, the American Educational Research Association, and the National Council of Measurements in Education, these standards can be used by test authors, publishers, and users.

Test Critiques
Kansas City, MO: Test Corporation of America, 1984-.
BF 176 .T419 1984
Descriptive information, critical reviews, and list of references are provided in the entries of commercially published English language tests. All volumes have an index. A cumulative index is always published in each new volume.

Tests: A Comprehensive Reference for Assessment in Psychology, Education, and Business
Austin, TX: pro-ed, 1991.
BF 176 .T43 1991

ETS Tests on Microfiche Index
Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service, 1975-
LB 3051.E792
You can use the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test Collection database to find tests from this collection. The microfiche test collection itself is located in the library's microforms room.

Measures for Clinical Practice ( 2 volumes)
New York, Free Press
BF 176 .C66 2000
A collection of actual instruments, specifically selected because they measure the most common problems seen in clinical practice.

*Tests in Print
Lincoln, NE, Buros Institute of Mental Measurements, 1961-.
Z 5814 .E9 B8

* Tests in Print IV and MMY 12 serve as a complete index for MMY 1-12 for all tests still in print. Test in Print I-III indexes various volumes of MMY 1-8 and may refer to tests out of print. For most practical purposes use TIP IV and MMY 12.
Z 5814 .E9 B8

* Tests in Print IV and MMY 12 serve as a comp

Title Index for the Directory of Unpublished Experimental Mental Measurements: Volumes 1-7

Martin Jamison; Chicago:Association of College and Research Libraries, 2001.
BF431 .J29

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Information About Tests, Scales, and Inventories in Books

Access the online catalog, VIRGO and perform a subject search using one of the subject headings:

or Use keyword searching.
Examples:

• test? and mathematics
• test? and personality

Background Information About Tests, Scales, and Inventories

Title: Dictionary of Behavioral Assessment Techniques
Ref. BF 176.5 .D53 2002
Critical, evaluative essays, averaging three pages in length, on measurement techniques and measurement tools. Essays include description and purpose, development and psychometric characteristics, clinical use, future directions, and list of references.

Title: Educational Research Methodology and Measurement: An International Handbook
Education Reference area: LB 1028 .E3184
Description: Presents an overview of the methods used in educational research. An excellent resource for definitions, examples, and descriptions of all types of research.

Title: Encyclopedia of Educational Evaluation
Education Reference area: LB 2823 .A65
Description: Concise explanation of research terminology and concepts in testing and measurements.

Title: Encyclopedia of Educational Research
Education Reference area: LB 15 .E48
Description: Authoritative articles with bibliographies on testing and measurements.

Title: ETS Handbook of Tests and Measurement in Education and the Social Sciences
Test Collection Index Table: LB 3051 .L4543
Description: Provides psychometric information about instruments, bibliographic references related to the instrument, and the actual instrument!

Title: International Encyclopedia of Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychoanalysis, and Neurology
Education Reference area: RC 333. I573
Description: Authoritative source of 1,800 signed articles that provide authoritative and comprehensive information in most areas of psychology.