Tests and Measures
Tests and Measures
The term "tests and measures" refers to tools of measurement for analytical and diagnostic purposes. In the field of social work this might refer to a survey, instrument, diagnostic test, exam, questionnaire, survey, and/or measure.
Engagement with Tests and Measures
As a student, course work for classes in the Social Work program may have references to the tests and measures researchers used in their analysis. As you continue to engage in research and your own work as a practitioner, you might use tests and measures to begin to identify your own conclusions.
Purpose
Tests and measures can be a tool of evaluation. For example, if researching social health of older adults in a population, you might engage and assign a score based on responses to the Geriatric Depression Scale. Names for these tests and measures often are very direct and clear, for example:
- Social Support Satisfaction Measure
- Depression Sensitivity Index
- Hunger Scale
Resources
Core Resources
Mental Measurements Yearbook: This resource contains reviews, descriptions, and surveys of text published in the English language.
APA PsycInfo: APA's key resource with more than 5 million bibliographic records in the behavioral and social sciences. To find sources about tests: enter relevant keywords in the search boxes and limit to the field “Tests and Measures”.
APA PsycTests: A one-of-a-kind database of psychological tests and measures designed for use with social and behavioral science research. [Note: Since not all tests in the PsycTESTS database include the full text, you can limit your results in the column on the left by selecting Refine Results > Full Text.]
Directory of unpublished experimental mental measures: A more historic guide to experimental tools and measures for mental measurement.
Indexes
ETS Test Link: A fully-searchable index of more than 25,000 tests.
Tests and Measures in the Social Sciences: Tests available in compilation volumes: A searchable index of over 15,000 full-text tests, scales, and measures included in over 125 books and other collections.
Other Resources
BRFSS Questionnaires: Developed by CDC & Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questionnaire designed to collect uniform, state-specific data on preventive health practices and risk behaviors
RAND: These surveys are designed for a wide range of purposes, including assessing patients' health, screening for mental health conditions, and measuring quality of care and quality of life.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): Survey questionnaires collect additional information about students’ demographics and K-12 education experiences.
Positive Psychology Research Center: Developed by UPenn - Questionnaires to understand and build the emotions, and the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
National Survey of Children’s Health Questionnaires, Datasets, and Supporting Documents: Questionnaire used to examine the physical and emotional health of children ages 0-17 years of age.
(CHIPTS) Resource Library: Innovative interventions to optimize care and treatment of diverse community health issues; including, drug and alcohol use.
Test critiques: A journal dedicated to evaluating existing tests and measures.
Statements on Ethics and Data Related to Tests and Measures
