Identifying and evaluating
Finding and evaluating tests and measures used in behavioral science studies can be tricky, but the library has resources to help.
Here are some video tutorials to get you started. Resources mentioned in the video are linked below, and you can hover over the information icon for more details. Additional help is available on this SPER research guide.
When constructing a research study in psychological research there are certain areas of study that are difficult to measure - these are often called constructs and include personality, emotions, attitudes and abilities.
Researchers have developed specific tests that measure these constructs and there are two main tools in the library that can help you discover them. Watch the video below to learn more!
After selecting a test or measure, it is important to evaluate it in four areas; test coverage and purpose, reliability and validity, content, and interpretation and reporting.
There are a few tools that can help you evaluate tests and measures in these specific areas. Watch the video below to learn more!
Resources to Identify and Evaluate
- APA PsycTestsPsycTESTS is a database of the full text of psychological tests and measures from the APA as well as information about the tests.
- PsycINFO via EBSCOhostOne of the top resources for research in psychology and the behavioral and social sciences. Includes information on topics ranging from education to pharmacology.
- APA PsycArticlesProvides articles from journals of the American Psychological Association.
Finally, for more help on using Mental Measurements Yearbook review to evaluate a test, see this guide from the Buros Center for Testing.
Research Help
