Finding and Using Tests & Measures

• Where do I search for tests and measures that I can use in my research?
  
• Are free resources available?  Do I need permission to use them?
  
• If I cannot find readily available tests and measures that fit my needs, what are some resources that I can use to make my own?
  

If you are conducting research, especially qualitative research, there is a good chance you will be in need of tests or measures to collect data.  Reliable inventories, surveys, scales, measures, questionnaires and so forth are essential in the research process.  However, there may be no need to create your own or re-invent the wheel.  The purpose of this module is to provide you with a list of steps you may utilize as you begin to look for possible tests and measures that fit your research.  In the event that you are unsuccessful in locating the right testing tool or measure, you will also be given a list of potential resources you can use to create your own.

1.  Begin with a basic web search for a testing tool or measure that fits your research.  You may want to use advanced searching options on your web browser to include a list of key words or phrases.  You may come across tests or measures that you can purchase, but there is chance that free resources exist so exhaust your search options first.  If you find a tool in web search that is from a publication, you do not need to get permission to use it because the author made it publicly available by publishing it.  If you find something on the internet that fits well but is not in a publication, you will need to get permission to use it.

2.  If your web search does not turn up any useful results, you may want to search databases of tools and measures.  PsycTESTS is one example and it is an excellent database of measures and instrumentation tools.  A video that the demonstrates how to search this database can be found at this link:  Tests and Measures:  How to use PsycTESTS     Buros is another excellent database of assessment tools covering a wide range of measuring instructments and topics. The following link provides a more extensive list of databases and resources that you may want to explore:  Psychological, Health, and Educational Tests.

3.  If you cannot find a tool that works for your research as it is written, you may edit or adapt a test or measure that closely fits your project. Or, you can create your own.  Following is a list of links with tips and suggests for creating different types of assessment tools.  

• Research Ready: Designing Surveys
• Writing Survey Questions
• Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATS)
• Study Design Methods