Nursing: Tests & Measurements

Use a subject-specific database to locate an abstract or full-text article that mentions the test. The article might identify the publisher or source of the test, which can then be searched. The test might be in an appendix of another article, or you may need to use a search engine to find the publisher's contact information. Use OAIster and WorldCat to identify research instruments in dissertations or theses.

To identify tests and measures in CINAHL:

• Click on the link to the database
• Enter keywords and then select Questionnaire/Scale and/or Research Instrument under Publication Type
• Click Search
• You can also search using the Field Code IN for Instrumentation from the basic search box
  EXAMPLE:  Enter IN coping will return results to articles that have information in them on specific coping instrumentations.

To identify tests and measures in PsycINFO:

• Click on the link to the database
• Click on Advanced Search
• Click on Edit Limits then check the box next to Tests & Measures then click Customize Limits
• Enter keywords in the search box, uncheck the box next to Map Term to Subject Heading, and then check the box next to the limiter Tests & Measures 
• Click Search

PubMed does not have a specific way to limit a search

• Enter keywords in the search box
• Add one (or more) of the following words to your search string:
  • assessment, interview, inventory, measure, measurement, post-test, pre-test, questionnaire, rating, scale, sub-test, survey, test, tool
• Add nursing[mh] to the search box followed by AND plus your search terms to limit results to nursing articles, e.g., nursing[mh] AND prenatal care