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Tests & Measures: Finding Tests in Databases

Help identifying and finding tests and measures.

Casting a Wide Net

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.

CINAHL, ERIC, and PsycINFO

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.