If you are looking for a copy of a specific instrument, you will need to know whether or not the test is "published" (i.e., commercially available) or "unpublished" (i.e., non-commercial).
If the test is a commercial test, you will most likely have to purchase a copy directly from the publisher. To locate information about commercial tests, try Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests In Print . Bear in mind, some publishers have restrictions on exactly who may purchase the instrument (such as only those qualified to administer a test).
If the test is a non-commercial test, it may be available in a journal article, dissertation, or book. Refer to the database searching tips for PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, and other databases to help identify and locate these tests.
If you have a topic of interest, but have not identified a specific test, using the database searching tips will often help you locate a testing instrument. You will also want to look at some of the reference books and websites in this guide for appropriate instruments. If you need assistance, please stop by the Dewey Reference Desk or contact Elaine Lasda, Social Welfare Subject Librarian, for assistance.
As you may discover, many tests and measures can be found for free on the internet. If you find one of these items, you will want to double check to make sure the instrument and the information you find does not have errors/is not out-of-date. Always verify that the test or measure has come from a reliable source, is current and accurate.
