Psychological tests

Choosing and locating psychological tests and scales

Library database search

In addition to a web search, try a keyword search (for example 'anxiety',  'anger', 'body image') using library databases such as Web of Science or PsycINFO. These databases will also give a better indication whether literature has been peer-reviewed.

List of available library databases.

Access to Web of Science

Access to PsycINFO

Document
Instrumentation March 2020 (436.01 KB / PDF)

Public domain versus commercially published tests

Tests fall into two categories: those made freely available by researchers (public domain) and commercially published tests, usually protected by copyright.

A reference to a public domain test is usually a book chapter or journal article; for the second type it will be to a manual published by a commercial organisation. Full details of freely available tests can be generally be found by consulting the relevant article; if full details are not given, you might be able obtain extra materials (for example a list of test items) by contacting the author.

Commercially published tests must not be photocopied, scanned or otherwise reproduced without permission. If you wish to use these tests you should consult with your supervisor. Often a literature search will produce a public domain equivalent of a commercial test. 

Commonly used tests.

Psychological tests held by the Psychology department.

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