Psychology

Psychological tests (also known as mental measurements, psychological instruments, psychometric tests, inventories, rating scales) are standardized measures of a particular psychological variable such as personality, intelligence, or emotional functioning. They often consist of a series of questions that subjects rank as true or false, or according to a Likert-type scale (agree, somewhat agree...), however tests can use written, visual or verbal methods.

Many tests are commercially published. Commercial or published tests may need to be purchased from the publisher, and publishers may require proof that users have the professional credentials to administer the test.

In addition to commercial tests, there are countless unpublished tests that researchers design for particular studies in psychology, education, business and other fields.

•  PsychINFO- Type "appended" in one of the search boxes and select Tests & Measures from the drop-down menu to the right of the search box. This will narrow your search to articles with tests appended. Use additional search boxes to add keywords.

• ERIC: Type "tests/questionnaires" in one of the search boxes. and select Publication Type from the drop-down menu to the right of the search box to search for tests. Add keywords via additional search boxes.

These two tools are recommended for those who need to create a survey or questionnaire with more than a few questions. There are a number of other apps and survey options online for the shorter surveys.

• Instructions on how to cite test records from PsycTESTS

  Flash video from the American Psychological Association (APA)
• Mental Measurements Yearbook and Tests In Print

  Research guide to cite a test review from the electronic version of the Mental Measurements Yearbook

The Mental Measurement Yearbooks and Tests in Print are located on the Second Floor (Main Level) of the Waterfield Library in the Reference Area. They are on the last shelf, facing the windows.