Health: Psychology

Using databases to locate tests

Published journal articles can contain a test, measurement or scale, often in the appendix. The steps below will help locate tests included in articles.

• PsycInfo

1. Go to the Advanced Search.
2. Choose the Tests and measurements field from the drop-down menu. 
3. Add the test/measurement/scale name to the search box. Use double quotation marks if you know the exact name eg. "Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale".
4. In the next box, add the word appended. Run the search.

• CINAHL

1. Go to the Advanced Search. Make sure the Suggest Search Terms box at the top is unchecked.
2. In the Field drop down menu, choose Instrumentation.
3. Add the test/measurement/scale name to the search box. Use double quotation marks if you know the exact name eg. "Graduate Management Admission Test".
4. In the Publication Type option, choose Questionnaire/Scale. Run the search. 

• ERIC

1. Go to the Advanced Search.
2. Add the test/measurement/scale name to the search box. Use double quotation marks if you know the exact name eg. "Test of General Reasoning Ability".
3. In the Document Type option, choose Tests/Questionnaires. Run the search.

• Proquest Dissertations and Theses 

Theses can also include a full test.

1. Add the test/measurement/scale name to the search box.
2. Add NEAR/[n] appendi* after the name. For example, "Multi-Dimensional Intelligence Test" NEAR/4. This will help locate the test name within close proximity to the appendices, where they are most likely to be included.
3. Run the search.

"Using databases to locate tests" by University of Queensland Library is licensed under CC BY NC