Before beginning your search, keep these things in mind:
- Published Tests vs. Unpublished Tests: Published tests or measurements are available from the test publisher. You may need to get special certification or permission from the publisher or author(s) to administer the tests. Unpublished tests or measurements are not available commercially but could be included in articles, empirical studies or dissertations. These tests are under copyright (just like published tests) so you should request permission to use them by contacting the author(s).
- Follow Your Institutions Policies and Guidelines: Be sure to familiarize yourself with your institution's policies and guidelines on research and how this relates to volunteers. At Saint Mary's College of California, the Office of Research has information on research compliance, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).
- Be Patient: Finding a test or measurement instrument is sophisticated research that requires time and patience. You will likely have to look in a few different resources, like databases and books, but don't give up! SMC librarians and this library guide are all available to help.
Remember, always get permission from the test's author(s) before using a test or measurement instrument.
