- Finding specific tests and measurements can be challenging. In some cases, you will find only a description or review of the test and not the test itself.
- Not all tests are readily available. In order to obtain and administer many published* psychological tests (commercial tests), one must be a licensed professional or meet certain criteria; also, many published tests are only available through purchase. Occasionally a publisher will provide tests to researchers for free if you (and your professor) write a letter explaining why you want a copy.
- Non-published** or non-commercial tests may be obtained more easily. They can appear in books, journal articles, or in other sources. Identifying and locating them may take some time and patience.
- In brief, there is no quick, easy, one-stop shop, guaranteed way of finding a tests and measures. Finding them requires looking in several different print and/or electronic sources.
- Guides on selecting measurement instruments can be helpful. Here's a recent one:
Selecting and Describing Your Research Instruments
McClure, Kelly S.
American Psychological Association, 2020
Full Text Available Online
*Published: Widely-used tests with established validity, reliability and norms (e.g., standardized tests); usually commercially published and must be ordered or purchased from a publisher.
**Non-published: Non-commercial tests that have been developed or modified for controlled research studies. Some may have established validity and reliability, some may not. Sometimes printed in articles or books.
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