Frequently Asked Questions

Often the content of a research survey instrument is proprietary, and cannot be obtained freely.  This includes tests, assessments, research instruments, and research measurements.  There may be restrictions to prevent unqualified individuals from obtaining measurements to diagnose improperly.

If you do not already have a specific research survey instrument in mind, there are a couple ways to search for a relevant one;

1. Search Dissertations and Theses Full Text for dissertations that are relevant to your topic.  Read their abstracts.  Check the following sections of each relevant dissertation;

• The table of contents
• The appendices

2. Search PsycINFO limiting your results to EMPIRICAL STUDY in the Methodology section.  View the Tests & Measures section of any relevant citations.

• From PsycINFO's Advanced Search screen, add your search terms, and scroll down to the Methodology section.
• Select EMPIRACAL STUDY 
  
• From the Results list, select the title of a relevant article or other resource.
• Scroll down to see if there is a section labeled Tests & Measures listing the names of relevant instruments in the field.

If you have the name of a research survey instrument, you can search for information about it in the following databases;

1. PsycTests
2. Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests in Print
3. PsycINFO (by entering it in the Tests & Measures search box)
4. Dissertations and Theses Full Text

Some departments have select surveys and tests, so you may want to check with your professor.