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Research Psychology

This guide is intended to provide an overview of resources and services available to students in our MS in Research Psychology program.

Where else could I look?

Still can't find information about your test/measure?

  • Search SPU Primo (measure may be in an appendix)
  • Search the internet under the specific scale title
  • Consult SPU Psychology faculty

Test File Guidelines

The Test File is a restricted collection only available to current SPU students with faculty permission.  Search for tests in the SPU library catalog, and bring the call # (e.g. TEST 7211)  to the library's Front Desk on the main level.  Library staff will retrieve the test for you.

Please remember:

  • Tests may not be photocopied because of copyright restrictions.
  • Students may not write on any test materials.
  • Materials need to be returned when due.
  • Overdue fines are charged.
  • Renewals are not allowed.
  • Tests may not leave building except by permission of faculty.

More details are available on the PDF below:

Databases of Tests and Measures

Use these databases to find information about a test or measure, such as reliability, validity, how it has been used, and occasionally the instrument itself.

  • Search PsycINFO...
    • by topic (e.g. vocation)
      • search for your topic, then view Tests & Measures limiter on the left of the search results
    • by measure title or acronym (e.g. “calling and vocation questionnaire”)
      • TM Tests and Measures field: locates all mentions of the instrument in Tests and Measures field (broad); use keyword “appended” to see if full-text is included
      • Select a Field: searches within Title, Translated Title, Classification Codes, Abstract, Keyword, Subjects, and Author (broad)
      • SU Subjects/DE Subjects: locates articles about measure as a topic (narrow)

Watch the tutorial below for an example of searching for tests and measures in APA PsycInfo (4:53)

Search the SPU catalog for tests

Search the SPU library catalog for a specific test or browse available tests.

  • To search for a specific test, search by title, author, acronym, or keyword in the main search box.  

SPU Library Primo Search Box

You can recognize a test by the location of Test File - Restricted.  View the Details tab after clicking on the test title to see the test contents.

  SPU Primo record for Achenbach system of empirically based assessments showing Test File call number

  • To browse all available tests in the test file, search either within the SPU Special Collections tab or limit your results by physical location.
    • In Primo, search for test as a keyword and limit your search on the left by the Physical Location of Test File - Restricted.
    • Or choose SPU Special Collections and select Test File from the drop-down menu. Search for the term "test" to browse all available tests.

SPU Primo search for test in Special Collections - Test File

Books for Evaluating Tests and Measures

This is not a comprehensive list of resources available online or on the Index Tables (Library Main Level). See this list for more titles.