Skip to Main Content

A Social Work Research Guide

Social work research guide

Boxes on This Tests & Measures Subpage

Here are links to the boxes on this Tests & Measures subpage.  The links will quickly jump the screen to the boxes of information.
Full Text Tests & Measures in the Brown School Library
Searching for Tests & Measures
Tests & Measures - Free Full Text Resources That May be Copyright Protected
Tests & Measures - Additional Resources

Full Text Tests & Measures in the Brown School Library

  • The below spreadsheets contain full text tests and measures available through the Brown School Library.
  • Resources include paper books, e-books, websites, and journal articles. 
  • THE TESTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW. YOU MUST SEEK PERMISSION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER BEFORE YOU USE A TEST.  Tests published before 1929 and tests created by the US federal government do not need permission. 
  • Use of a test/measure without proper copyright permission may result in criminal convictions, fines, and/or retractions.  Here is an example of one copyright holder's actions: https://retractionwatch.com/2017/01/26/use-research-tool-without-permission-youll-hear

Searching for Tests & Measures

  • When searching databases, try a keyword search on the name of the test/measure.  Enclose the name in quotation marks if you know the exact wording and exact spelling for the name. For example: "Denver Developmental Screening Test"  
  • If the test/measure is commonly known by an abbreviation, try searching for the abbreviation as well.  For example: DDST


Terms related to tests & measures:  battery, checklist, checklists, index, indexes, indices, indicator, indicators, instrument, instruments, inventories, inventory, measure, measures, measurement, measurements, rating, ratings, scale, scales, scorecard, scorecards, screening, survey, surveys, test, tests, tool, tools, questionnaire, questionnaires

  • Most tests and measures are copyright protected.  Internet items are copyright protected.  Investigate whether your intended use of an item requires permission from the copyright holder.  
  • You do not need permission to use measures that were published before 1929. 
  • You do not need permission to use U.S. federal government created measures.  
  • Don't forget to properly cite all of the resources that you use. 
  • Use of a test/measure without proper copyright permission may result in criminal convictions, fines, and/or retractions.  Here is an example of one copyright holder's actions: https://retractionwatch.com/2017/01/26/use-research-tool-without-permission-youll-hear
  • Another helpful article related to survey instruments and copyright is: Hays RD, Weech-Maldonado R, Teresi JA, Wallace SP, Stewart AL. Commentary: Copyright Restrictions Versus Open Access to Survey Instruments. Med Care. 2018 Feb;56(2):107-110. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000857. PubMed PMID: 29256974; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5766425  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5766425/ 

Tests & Measures - Free Full Text Resources That May be Copyright Protected

The following Internet resources may help you find a test/measure that is free to read.  The test/measure is copyright protected. 

  • Items that have a Creative Commons license permit the copying of the test/measure in its entirety for non-commercial purposes as long as the test/measure is properly cited.  Read the license restrictions because you may need permission if your use is commercial or if you are only going to use parts of the test/measure or if you wish to adapt/alter the test/measure. 
  • Items that are in the Public Domain permit the copying, use of parts of the test/measure, and adaptation without permission. 
  • You do not need permission if the test/measure was published before 1929. 
  • You do not need permission if the test/measure was created by the U.S. federal government. 
  • You must credit the author(s) of the test/measure by properly citing the test/measure.

When doing general Internet searches, the following phrases may help to focus on items that are free to read even though they may be copyright protected.  "public domain"     "creative commons"     "open access"

Tests & Measures - Additional Resources

Most tests and measures are copyright protected.  Internet items are copyright protected.  Investigate whether your intended use of an item requires permission from the copyright holder.  You do not need permission to use measures that were published before 1929.  You do not need permission to use U.S. federal government created measures.  Don't forget to properly cite all of the resources that you use.