Tests & Measures: Finding Tests in Databases

It's possible to find tests in databases: sometimes a test is appended to a full text article. Try these searches that look for certain words--such as measurement, test, instrument, appended, etc.--in the abstract. 

It's cumbersome, and sometimes you'll get false results, but it's worth a try. Follow these directions carefully.

• Open EBSCOhost. 
• Click on "Choose Databases" above the search box. 
• Click "Select All" and press OK. 
• Click on "Advanced Search" under the search box. 
• In the first box, type your topic, such as self esteem. 
• Leave the drop-down box as is. 
• In the next box, type the words measure* or instrument. 
• Change the drop-down box to AB Abstract. 
• In the next box, type the word appended. 
• Change the drop-down box to AB Abstract. 
• Press Search.

The search described here searches all our databases that are on the EBSCO platform.

• Open Dissertations & Theses.
• At the top of the page, click on the link "Change"
• Click on "Select All" and press "Use Selected Databases."
• Click on "Advanced Search" above the search box.
• In the first box, type your topic such as self esteem.
• Leave the drop-down box as is.
• In the next box, type the words measure* or instrument.
• Change the drop-down box to Abstract AB.
• In the next box, type the word appended.
• Change the drop-down box to Abstract AB.
• Press Search.

The search described here searches all our databases that are on the ProQuest platform.

Some databases, like CINAHL, ERIC, and PsycINFO, have a field code for tests and measures. Pre-determined field codes allow for more precise searches. Follow these directions carefully.

• Open CINAHL.
• Click on "Advanced Search" below the search box.
• In the first box, type your topic, such as self care.
• Change the drop-down box to IN Instrumentation.
• Scroll down the page to the section "Publication Type."
• Select "Questionnaire/Scale."
• Press Search.

• Open ERIC.
• Click on "Advanced Search" below the search box.
• In the first box, type your topic, such as self esteem.
• Leave the drop-down box as is.
• Scroll down the page to the section "Publication Type."
• Select "Tests/Questionnaires."
• Press Search.

• Open PsycINFO. 
• Click on "Advanced Search" below the search box.
• In the first box, type in your topic, such as self esteem.
• Leave the drop-down box as is.
• In the next box, type the word appended.
• Change the drop-down box to TM Tests & Measures.
• Press Search.