Several social science databases enable users to search for articles that include instruments. Searching for additional journal articles is especially helpful if your research topic is interdisciplinary.

For most databases, use the "subject headings" or "thesaurus" feature to explore recommended search terms. Possible words to try include "questionnaires," "measures," "surveys," and "tests."

Here are some tips for specific databases:
 

To find articles that include instruments:

• Use PsycINFO's "Advanced Search"
• Type in your topic
• In a different search box (beneath your topic keywords), type the word "appended" (without the quotation marks). To the right of it, change the "Anywhere" drop-down box to "Test and Measure - TM"
• Scroll down and choose other limiters as needed
• Click on the "Search" button
• After obtaining full text of an article, scroll through the article to find test questions. Typically, they will appear in the "Methods" section, or in an "Appendix" at the end of the article

To find articles that include instruments:

• Use ERIC's "Advanced Search"
• Type in your topic
• Scroll down the page. Under "Document Type," choose "160: Tests/Questionnaires"
• Choose other limiters as needed
• Click on the "Search" button
• After obtaining full text of an article, scroll through the article to find test questions. Typically, they will appear in the "Methods" section, or in an "Appendix" at the end of the article

To find articles that include instruments:

• Use CINAHL's "Advanced Search"
• Type in your topic
• Scroll down the page. Under "Publication Type," choose "Questionnaire/Scale"
• Choose other limiters as needed
• Click on the "Search" button
• After obtaining full text of an article, scroll through the article to find test questions. Typically, they will appear in the "Methods" section, or in an "Appendix" at the end of the article