Skip to Main Content Skip to main content

Home

Measurement Tools/Research Instruments

Tips on how to find information about research instruments such as questionnaires.

Other Tutorials

In this section you will find suggestions for additional resources. This guide focused on web-based resources available at the University of Washington. Different resources may be available in other formats (e.g. in print or for mobile devices) or at other locations. As you enter practice, you will create your own toolkit of useful resources.

APA’s FAQ/Finding Information About Psychological Tests
http://www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/find-tests.aspx

Finding Research Instruments, Surveys and Tests
http://libguides.indstate.edu/content.php?pid=89389&sid=665291

MAPI Research Institute provides support for Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) research
https://mapi-trust.org/our-resources/library-questionnaires/

Test Instruments and Measures
https://guides.lib.unc.edu/c.php?g=8411

Tests and Measurements
http://lib.guides.umd.edu/tests_and_measurements

Summary

The preceding sections of this guide introduced you to the steps and resources for finding measurement tools:

  • The three scenarios present examples of common questions and answers.
  • The Paths to Information suggest a typical path to follow a topic.
  • The Resources Tables provide key information on selected resources.

This section includes additional suggestions and advice. Please give us feedback by completing the evaluation below.

Additional points

Like any good literature search, you will not always find the article you want for your research. The same principle applies to locating specific tests. You will need to be flexible about the sources available. If you are unable to find a test or measure always ask a librarian for assistance.

Give yourself enough time to search, review, and find an actual test. Also determine whether the test is copyrighted and whether you are qualified to administer the test.

It is tempting to want to develop your own test to suit your needs. However, there are many factors to consider such as sampling, scoring, etc. Do not re-invent the wheel. Perform a thorough search using the resources listed here to see if a tool already exists that may suit your needs.

Remember to always cite your sources. For example, consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. or a brief guide: http://guides.lib.uw.edu/hsl/apa.

You have an ethical responsibility to use tests wisely. You should select tests that meet the purpose for which they intended and for the appropriate population. You should select tests that attempt to make them as fair as possible for test takers. You should inform test takers about their rights, responsibilities, and risks and benefits in taking part in any study, treatment, or program.

Evaluation

Thank you for using this guide. We hope it has been of help to you. Please let us know what you thought about it and how we can improve this for future users by filling out our brief evaluation form.

Go to the evaluation form now