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SCED Science Education Subject Guide: Research Instruments

A guide for finding Science Education information to support your academic research and coursework

Welcome

Welcome to the Research Instruments page! Research instruments include surveys, tests, observation forms, interviews, psychometric instruments, and physiological devices used for data collection and measurement.

ERIC (via EBSCO) Research Instruments

Find Research Instruments in ERIC

There are a few different ways to search in ERIC:

Option 1 Find a specific Test:

To find articles where an instrument is used, follow these steps.

1. Click Advanced Search.

2. Scroll down to publication type and select Tests/Questionnaires, 

3. Then enter your topic keyword in the search box and click Search. 

Screenshot showing the ERIC database 'Document Type' dropdown menu with 'tests/questionnaires' highlighted as a selection option


 

Option 2 Locate Topic-Specific Tests:

1. Enter your topic keyword in the first box.

2. Then enter test* or survey* into the next box and select the field AB (abstract).

3. Click Search. 

 

Screenshot of the ERIC database search interface showing input fields with 'remote learning' entered in the first box, 'test OR survey' in the second box with 'AB Abstract' selected from the dropdown menu, and a green 'Search' button to the right


 

Option 3 Search by Assessment Survey Identifier:

1. Enter the Assessment Survey in the first box.

2. Choose SB Assessment and Survey Identifier from the dropdown menu in the search fields.

3. Click Search.

Screenshot of the ERIC database search interface showing 'national assessment of educational progress' entered in the search box with 'SB Assessment and Survey Identifiers' selected from a dropdown menu, ready for a search

 

ETS TestLink Research Instruments

ETS TestLink Database

  • A comprehensive catalog from Educational Testing Service (ETS)

  • Features over 25,000 tests and measurement tools.

  • Includes educational, psychological, vocational, and personality tests.
  • Find a specific test by instrument name, author, acronym, or keyword.
  • Provides information on test availability and acquisition methods.

ERIC.gov Research Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Use ERIC Institute of Education Sciences to find specific tests, research instruments, test reviews, or tests used for specific variables.

Watch the video below, How to Use ERIC Identifiers to learn more.

Research Instruments: Dissertations & Theses

Comprehensive index to dissertations and theses from all fields of study

Find a Specific Test/Find Test for a Variable 

  • Search by instrument name or by variable. 
  • Check the appendices of dissertations for the full-text instruments used.

Research Instruments Reommended Books

Research Design Handbooks

Education Research Methods & Instruments

Use pre-made search strings in OneSearch to locate materials on research methods and instruments

Science Education Assessment Resources

Explore these resources for assessing and enhancing science education outcomes.

Methodology Resources from SAGE

Access SAGE’s research methods and methodology content, including books, journals, and videos