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Finding Measurement Tools

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Topics

What are Measurement Tools?

Measurement tools are instruments used by researchers and practitioners to aid in evaluating different variables in their patients/clients/subjects. The variables can range from physical functioning to psychosocial well being. The instruments also vary in format. They can take the form of a formal questionnaire or an informal observation.

Steps to Finding Tests

  1. Determine your needs:
    • Do you want to find out what tests measure a particular variable or address a specific topic?
    • Do you want a specific test or test manual?
    • Do you need to know how to use a test?
    • Do you want information about where a test can be borrowed or purchased?
    • Do you want a review of a particular test?
    • Do you want to develop your own test?
  2. Identify the variable you want to measure:
    • What terms define the variable?
    • Is it too broad or too narrow?
    • Is it measurable?
  3. Identify some tests that may meet your needs using the following criteria:
    • Does the test measure the variable you want to assess?
    • Are you qualified to administer this test?
    • What age group or school grade level is targeted by the test?
    • Does it have favorable reviews? How many? Where?
    • Are there instructions available for how to administer the test?
    • How difficult is it to obtain a copy of it? How expensive is it?

Electronic Access

Some instruments may be cited in journal articles that are indexed in databases or other electronic sources. The instruments included in journal articles may or may not be published in standard printed resources.

Databases

Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)

HAPI (Health and Psychological Instruments)

PsycINFO

Key Concept (KC)
Special Features (SF)

Keywords to keep in mind when searching databases or other electronic sources for the concept of tests and measurements include: assessment(s); evaluation(s); instrument(s); measure(s); measurement(s); questionnaire(s); scales(s); survey(s); test(s); tests and measures; psychometrics outcome. Databases may be searched using a variety of these keywords and important words from the title of a particular instrument.

Example: pain AND questionnaires

Web Resources:

Nicely organized site containing helpful information about both print and electronic resources for published and unpublished psychological tests and measures. Includes how to find a particular test.

From the publisher of Mental Measurements Yearbook and Tests In Print. Contains links to a helpful test locator, test review locator, ERIC's Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation, and other related information. Can also be searched by subject to get a listing of tests used for particular types of information.

Search engines such as Google or Alta Vista may be useful in finding a particular test.

Print Resources for Tests and Test Information

Use the following resources to assist you in finding individual tests, test reviews, and other test information:

General Reference Books

The Mental Measurements Yearbooks (MMY) is the pre-eminent resource for reviews-- including reliability information-- of tests and measures (achievement, behavior assessment, education, intelligence, personality, vocational, neuropsychological, and others). These yearbooks represent a comprehensive collection of test review information covering English- language tests.

Each MMY does NOT supersede the previous volumes; each edition supplements information from earlier editions and later volumes cross reference to earlier edition entries. Therefore, it is necessary to consult all editions for complete coverage.

For more information, see the publisher's web site at: http://www.unl.edu/buros/catalog.html#mmy.

This resource is the companion to the Mental Measurements Yearbook. All editions have basically the same format and test entry information. The entry for a test indicates which Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) presents the most recent listing of a test. Tests in Print (TIP) includes information regarding the following: the test print status; number of reviews it received; names of reviewers; number of references on the construction, use, and validity of the test; and number of excerpts reprinted from test reviews in journals. Test entries will often refer you to additional information or reviews appearing in the MMY's.

TIP editions are divided into various sections. These include: MMY test reviewers (and the MMY edition in which reviews appear); test entry information; a publishers directory and index; an index of titles; an index of names (authors of all tests, reviews, excerpts, and references); and a scanning index/classified subject index.

Developed as a supplement to other, "traditional" resources (above). Arranged by subject/topic. Detailed descriptions of tests. Information on how to request copies of tests is provided. Note publication date, however.

Measurement tools are not limited to published tests provided through the usual suppliers. This book lists tests that can be found in journal articles, but not supplied by the usual publishers of instruments. Arranged by subject/topic. Provides citations for articles in which tests can be found.

Arranged by subject/topic. Limited number of instruments included, but provides thorough evaluations. Includes full text of tests plus description, purpose, reliability, validity and commentary.

This is the thesaurus for the PsycInfo database. Standardized vocabulary used by authors to describe concepts. Includes synonyms, broader terms, and narrower terms. Helpful in guiding searchers to topic descriptors that might otherwise be overlooked.

Specialized Reference Books

Includes full text of tests. As the title implies, focuses on assessments that are appropriate in evaluating geriatric clients. Includes information about the origin, purpose, target population, administration, etc. Volume 2 includes original tests and cites sources where they can be found.

As the title implies, this reference guides the reader to sources that are helpful when the user wants to design their own test.

Organized by topic then lists tests under each topic area. Includes description of tests as well as commentary and evaluation.

2 volumes. Includes full text of tests. Does not include tests that are readily available in other compilations. Addresses tests for psychosocial issues. Also includes descriptions, instructions on administration, reliability, and use in research. Has a bibliography of other resources for tests.

University of Washington's Testing Collection:

Curriculum Materials and Test Collections in Suzzallo has a large collection of standardized tests.

Searchable Index of Tests owned by the University of Washington

Searchable Index of the ETS Test Collection - Provides abstracts to 20,000 tests. The UW Libraries microfiche collection is incomplete.

Additional Resources:

Some Important Things to Keep in Mind:

  1. Journal articles may list the author's organization affiliation with a mailing address on the first page of the article.
  2. If this fails, directories published by scientific and professional associations like APA could provide you with a current address and phone number for the author.
  3. If these attempts to locate the author fail, contact the publisher holding the copyright to the original material and request permission from the publisher.

No matter how difficult this process may seem, you should make every effort to contact an author or copyright holder to secure permission before using any test or other instrument.

Online Class Evaluation Form (class use only)

Janet G. Schnall, MS, AHIP, and Joanne Rich, MLIS, BS (Pharm)
Information Management Librarians
 Library Liaisons to the School of Nursing

 schnall@u.washington.edu
/hsl/liaisons/schnall

jrich@u.washington.edu
/hsl/liaisons/rich/