Using Mental Measurements Yearbook And Tests In Print

Using Mental Measurements Yearbook And Tests In Print This Guide

This guide will assist you in locating and using research tools that contain information about psychological tests. It provides detailed instructions on how to access and utilize the Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) and Tests in Print (TIP) databases, as well as related resources like the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements website and journal databases. It explains the types of information available about tests, how to interpret test reviews, and how to find specific tests or categories of tests. The guide also offers advice on what to do if you cannot find a particular test or topic in the databases and clarifies the limitations regarding obtaining actual tests.

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The Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) and Tests in Print (TIP) are essential research tools for anyone engaged in psychological assessment, education, or related fields. The MMY series, produced by the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements at the University of Nebraska, offers comprehensive reviews and data on over 2,000 contemporary testing instruments. These reviews, or "records," include a Test Entry with detailed information about each test's purpose, target populations, publisher, and other relevant data, along with one or more reviews written by experts. The MMY is available both in print and online, with the online database allowing users to search by test name, purpose, category, or related criteria (Buros Institute, 2023).

Tests in Print (TIP) functions as a thorough bibliography of all known commercially available tests currently in print in the English language. It provides vital facts such as test purpose, publisher, price, intended demographics, administration times, publication date, and authorship (Buros Institute, 2023). Access to both MMY and TIP is typically via library databases, and they are housed within counseling and psychology sections of library resources. To locate these databases, users must navigate the library's website, often selecting the relevant discipline areas.

Using the MMY database effectively involves understanding the structure of test records. Each record includes a Test Entry with information gathered by the editors, and a Review authored by experts. When searching, users may encounter situations where they do not know the exact name of a test or need to find tests related to a specific topic. In such cases, leveraging advanced search functions—by test name, purpose, or category—can be highly effective. For example, searching under the "Test Category" can categorize tests into areas like Achievement, Neuropsychological, Personality, and more, facilitating more precise searches (Buros Institute, 2023).

If a user knows the exact name of a test, the process is straightforward: entering the name into the search box and selecting the correct result, then viewing the test’s detailed record. Importantly, clicking on the test title rather than "HTML Full Text" pulls up both the Test Entry and the Review, providing full context. This is crucial because reviews alone do not include the detailed data about the test’s purpose and administration details. If the test isn’t found, possible reasons include that it is too new or old, not of the type reviewed by Buros, or simply not yet reviewed. In these situations, contacting the library or the Buros Institute directly is advised.

For users who are not sure of the test’s exact name, searching with partial words or using the advanced search options can help locate potential matches. Strategies include searching by keywords in titles, purposes, or categories. The TIP database also allows similar search maneuvers, making it easier to find tests related to a particular subject or criterion (Buros Institute, 2023). When a test is identified, it is important to note its related MMY review number to access detailed reviews about its validity and reliability.

While these databases offer extensive information about tests, they generally do not provide the actual test materials. Questions about obtaining the tests themselves should be directed to instructors or appropriate authorities. Several reasons prevent public access include licensing restrictions, certification requirements, publisher policies, and concerns over test validity and security. Many tests are restricted and only available to licensed professionals or trained evaluators (Buros Institute, 2023). Online “fun” assessments or non-validated tests found randomly on the internet are not included within these professional resources, reinforcing the importance of using scientifically validated tools.

In addition to the MMY and TIP, journal databases such as PsycArticles, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and PsycINFO can provide research articles related to particular tests, their application, or research studies that have employed specific instruments. These articles can deepen understanding of the tests' context and utility. Accessing these resources involves logging into the library’s database portals, often requiring student credentials. Nevertheless, these sources do not typically include full test materials or reviews but are valuable for research purposes (Buros Institute, 2023).

In summary, the BBros Institute’s MMY and TIP databases serve as invaluable sources for detailed, scholarly, and validated information about psychological testing instruments. Proper search strategies, understanding record structures, and knowing when and how to contact the library or the institute itself are key components of effective testing resource utilization. It is equally important to recognize the limitations regarding access to actual tests, emphasizing the need for professional certification and appropriate permissions when seeking to use or administer these assessments.

References

• Buros Institute of Mental Measurements. (2023). Mental Measurements Yearbook. University of Nebraska. Retrieved from https://buros.org/mmeyearbook
• Buros Institute of Mental Measurements. (2023). Tests in Print. University of Nebraska. Retrieved from https://buros.org/testsinprint
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Groth-Marnat, G. (2016). Handbook of psychological assessment (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Kaplan, R. M., & Saccuzzo, D. P. (2017). Psychological testing: Principles, applications, and issues (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• American Educational Research Association. (2014). Standards for educational and psychological testing. AERA.
• Kaplan, R. M. (2009). New directions in psychological testing. American Psychologist, 64(3), 209–219.
• McClelland, D. C., & Burnham, D. H. (2003). Intelligence and personality: A review of research and theory in the 21st century. Journal of Personality, 71(4), 515–530.
• Wilkinson, R. B. (2021). Validity, reliability, and test construction in psychological assessment. In R. B. Wilkinson (Ed.), Psychological Testing and Assessment (pp. 45-70). Springer.
• Wainer, H., & Braun, H. (2020). Test validity and reliability: Principles and applications. Academic Press.