Research Instruments (Tests & Scales): Descriptions of Research Instruments

CINAHL is best known as a tool for identifying nursing and related health articles, but it can also be used to find information on equipment used for care and related health research.

Since 1994, CINAHL has started indexing research tools. (Note: the index is retroactive, many indexed products were developed before 1994. There seems to be no new entry since 2005). For each instrument record

To identify the tool that corresponds to a specific condition or situation, search for the topic of interest, then limit the search to a publishing-type research tool. To view the complete list of devices indexed by CINAHL, enter PT Research Instrument in the search box and click Search. The PT (publication type) contract instructs CINAHL to search "Research Tools" in the publication type field.

Equipment is a general term used by researchers for measuring instruments (survey, test, questionnaire etc.). To help distinguish between equipment and equipment, think of equipment as equipment and equipment as the process of operation (equipment development, testing, and use). Devices fall into two categories. The researcher is completed and the subject is completed. Tools managed by researchers are distinguished from participants' completed tools. Researchers select the equipment to be used based on research questions. An example is as follows.

A research tool is a measurement tool (eg, a questionnaire or scale) for obtaining data on an object of interest from a subject. Records of research tools are investigated and created by CINAHL staff who provide information on research tools, such as instrument purpose, population involved, variables being measured. CINAHL, CINAHL Plus, CINAHL will complete the record of research equipment. Research equipment record - Indicates which research is using specific research tool. This includes measurement purpose / variable, sample size, method, other tools, projects, and problems.

If a previously designed instrument is chosen, the researcher should clearly decide that the selected equipment is most appropriate. This is accomplished by an overview of how the instrument measures the concepts that the device considered. Previously designed equipment was usually in the form of gauges developed to measure standardized tests and even various ideas, ideas, attitudes, opinions, even capabilities. As there are many tests and gauges available, researchers are expected to provide adequate evidence for equipment availability and reliability (Polit and Beck, 2006).