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PS3134: Research Methods in Psychology

Types of Tests

Tests and measures fall into two categories...

1) Published tests:

  • Copyrighted tests that must be purchased directly from the publisher, and they typically require users to qualify as test administrators before purchases are approved. Published tests can be quite expensive and are not usually sold to libraries.
  • Must be used and cited according to the instructions of the company or person who owns the test.  Materials from published tests cannot usually be copies or reprinted.

2) Unpublished tests:

  • Not sold commercially, and can be found in a variety of places, including journal articles, dissertations and books. 
  • Copyright restrictions vary among unpublished tests, so contacting the author for permission is always recommended.

ETS Test Link

Important to know before you start!  

  • Finding Tests can be very time consuming!  Ask a librarian for help if you aren't finding what you need!
  • Many tests are only available commercially - you can request a free copy for educational purposes, but are not guaranteed access or a response.

The full texts of some instruments are freely available in academic articles or in the appendices of some dissertations and theses.  These databases may also contain articles that review or assess various instruments.

First confirm the name of the instrument using ETS Test Link (or Google)

Then search for the instrument by name in the most subject appropriate database from the BU library databases.

Finding Tests in PsycINFO

You can find tests in PsycINFO by searching from the Advanced screen:

  1. Open PsycINFO 
  2. Click Advanced below the search box
  3.  Select the Linked Full Text limiter on the left

Line 1: Type your topic of interest 

Line 2: Type Appended; change the Field to Tests and Measures

Run the search; open an article of interest. Tests will usually appear in the Methods section or the Appendix. 

 

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