Research and reference map

Our Sources

The key research traditions, validated instruments, and academic references that inform our assessments and content.

Scientific Foundations Suggest a Source
ReviewedSources are organized by assessment domain.
TransparentMajor frameworks are named directly.
UpdatedBibliography grows as pages improve.
ConnectedSources link back to methodology and foundations.

Bibliography

A curated source map for the platform

We cite sources for scientific claims and organize major references by assessment domain. This page is a curated bibliography rather than a complete list of every source used on every assessment page.

Individual test pages may include additional sources specific to that instrument, construct, or result model.

Source domains

Core references by assessment area

Intelligence and cognitive ability

Foundational work on intelligence, cognitive abilities, working memory, and executive functions.

  • Carroll, Cattell, McGrew, and CHC theory.
  • Gardner’s multiple intelligences framework.
  • Baddeley working memory and Miyake executive function research.

Personality

Trait models and personality frameworks used to explain stable tendencies and individual differences.

  • Costa and McCrae’s NEO instruments.
  • Goldberg’s Big Five markers.
  • HEXACO and Dark Triad research where relevant.

Emotional intelligence

Research on emotion perception, understanding, regulation, and social-emotional functioning.

  • Salovey and Mayer’s ability model.
  • Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso research.
  • Applied EQ frameworks with clear evidence status.

Mental health and neurodiversity

Screening tools and clinical reference frameworks used only for educational context.

  • PHQ and GAD screener research.
  • Autism spectrum and ADHD assessment literature.
  • DSM and ICD references as context, not diagnosis.

Relationships and attachment

Attachment theory, relationship patterns, and communication frameworks.

  • Bowlby and Ainsworth attachment foundations.
  • Adult attachment research by Hazan, Shaver, Bartholomew, and Horowitz.
  • Communication models with appropriate evidence context.

Learning and motivation

Research on study behavior, learning strategies, motivation, resilience, and mindset.

  • Retrieval practice and distributed practice research.
  • Duckworth grit and Dweck mindset frameworks.
  • Self-determination theory by Deci and Ryan.

Updates

How source updates happen

The source map is updated when new assessments are added, when research changes the framing of an existing topic, or when a correction points to a stronger reference.

Found a missing citation, outdated claim, or better source? Send it through the contact page with the page URL and source details.

Related trust pages

Continue through the platform standards

Scientific FoundationsThe research frameworks behind the platform.MethodologyHow assessments are selected, reviewed, and improved.Editorial PolicyHow content is written, checked, updated, and corrected.Assessment StandardsQuality rules for publishing and maintaining assessments.How Results Are CalculatedHow answers become scores, profiles, and result explanations.ContactSend corrections, source suggestions, and technical feedback.

FAQ

Source questions

Is this the full bibliography for every test?

No. This is a curated platform-level bibliography. Individual assessment pages may contain additional test-specific references.

What source types do you prioritize?

We prioritize peer-reviewed research, validated instruments, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and established theoretical work.

Can I suggest a source?

Yes. Use the contact page and include the page URL, source details, and why the source improves the page.

Do you cite popular books?

Sometimes, especially for historically important frameworks, but we separate popular frameworks from stronger empirical evidence.

Sources make the platform inspectable

Continue to Scientific Foundations for the plain-English map of how these sources shape the assessments.

Scientific Foundations