• Frequently Asked Questions

General

There are some technical terms that I don't understand on the pages.
If the term is shown in red simply place your mouse cursor on it and a pop up box provides a definition. A glossary is also provided in the Help section.

I have a comment about inaccurate information on the site. How do I notify someone?
You may direct comments and inquiries to pear@mclean.harvard.edu.

Reviews

I want to write a review - where do I start?
Click on the Review button at the top of any page. This will take you to a menu of all the tools in the database. Click on the tool you want and then go to its mainpage. Click on the Write Review tab and fill out the form.

I'm writing a review but don't want my name and personal information to appear on the review?
On the Write Review form you have the option of publishing your name or not publishing your name - simply click the appropriate button right above the field. The remaining information is shown so that readers can consider the source of the review.

Why hasn't my review for a tool shown up on the reviews page for that tool?
All submitted reviews must first be authorized by appropriate staff prior to being posted. Once your review has been authorized, it will be posted.

What is the difference between a User review and an Editorial review?
User reviews are submitted by the public and posted upon authorization by appropriate staff. Editorial reviews are submitted by a pre-approved panel of experts in the field and may include additional literature and resources in the review.

Search

On the Custom search criteria can I check more than one option?
Yes, you can use as many options as you want. The more options you choose the more narrow and focused your search will be. If a search returns no results try searching by only the most important options.

On the Custom search criteria can I check more than one box in an option?
Yes you can check as many boxes as you want. The more boxes you check the more inclusive (broader) your search will be. For example, clicking both Pre-K and Elementary School in the age option would give you all tools that work for Pre-K and all that work for Elementary School. In this case it would not define individual tools that work for BOTH Pre-K and for Elementary School in combination (in other words you are not selecting for an individual tool that must work for both age groups.)

I've completed a search and have found a tool that I want to use - how do I get it?
Click on the Full Details button on the right side of the tool summary information. This will take you to the tool's mainpage. On each tool's mainpage you will see a little crimson box on the right side of the page. It describes how to obtain the tool.

What does Search by Age mean?
The tools can be sorted according to the various Age ranges they are intended to assess. Age ranges include the following categories: Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School and College. Note that a particular tool may be intended for more than one Age category.

What does Search by Domain mean?
The tools can be sorted according to the various Domains they evaluate. Domains evaluated include the following categories: Competence and Reasoning, Engagement/Interest, Attitude/Behavior, Content/Knowledge, Career Knowledge/Acquisition. Note that a particular tool may fall into more than one Domain category.

What does Search by Assessment type mean?
The tools can be sorted according to the various Assessment types. Assessment types include the following categories: Drawing, Interview, Point Scale, Multiple Choice, Short Response, Extended Response. Note that a particular tool may fall into more than one Assessment type category.

Under the Custom Search Criteria, do I need to fill out all the categories?
No, you may check as many or as few categories or boxes within those categories as you wish for a Custom Search.

Tools

How do I find the right tool?
The search function allows you to search by age, domain or type of assessment. You also have the option to conduct a more customized search where you can define a longer list of criteria - this is done by clicking the Custom button. The search menu is located at the top of each page.

I know what tool I need, how do I just go directly to specific tool information?
Click on the "Go to Tools" button at the top of any page. This will take you to a menu of all the tools in the database or allow you to find an instrument by name. Click on the tool you want or enter the Instrument name and then go to its main page.