Copyright Policies

Copyright imageFollowing is a statement of Mind Garden's copyright policies.

Reproductions in any medium

All reproductions in any medium need to be purchased from the publisher. The copyright holders and publisher need to be compensated for their work. Mind Garden provides reasonable fees as a function of the number of reproductions.

Permission to put sample items into a dissertation or thesis

Permission to put sample items of an instrument into a dissertation or thesis appendix is provided when permission to reproduce is purchased.  This provides permission for up to five sample items to show the characteristics of the instrument. Mind Garden will only provide permission for up to five sample items. Even if permission is given for up to five sample items for reproduction, they should not represent a whole scale (e.g., the MLQ has four item scales). The goal is to provide an example of content, not to provide a usable scale.

Permission for sample items in published works

To request permission to include sample items in a published work, please let us know: 1) your contact information, 2) a copy of what you want to reproduce, 3) the instrument and/or manual the reproduction is extracted from, 4) the author of the publication, 4) the title of the article or book (publication), 5) where it is to be published, and 6) the publisher contact information.

 

Mind Garden will only provide permission for up to five sample items. Even if permission is given for up to five sample items for reproduction, they should not represent a whole scale (e.g., the MLQ has four item scales). The goal is to provide an example of content, not to provide a usable scale.

The copyright statement

All reproductions--whether the five sample items, the whole instrument for research, or any other reproduction--need to include the word "Copyright" and/or ©, the date of the publication, the name of the copyright holder(s), the words "All rights reserved," the publisher and the publisher's web address (e.g., www.mindgarden.com).  This statement should be either on the first page of the instrument if the whole instrument is reproduced or immediately following a partial use of the instrument (e.g., a table where permission has been received).

Factor tables

Factor tables need to communicate the core meaning of the item loading into the factor but the entire item does not need to be reproduced. Mind Garden provides a few words for each item that captures the core meaning. Thus, the goal is realized without violating the copyright.


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Modification of items

If you need to modify the item for your research, do not represent it as the original item, scale or instrument.  When an item is modified, the meaning and validity of the item changes.  Be clear that the item is based on the original instrument but the results cannot represent results as if the original instrument were administered.  In other words, never change items and/or scales and refer to it as the same item/scale.

Administering only part of an instrument

If only part of an instrument is administered, the context changes and the validity properties of the instrument may not still be represented.  A warning to this effect should be made in the article.

Putting an instrument on the web

If you need to put the instrument on the Web, Mind Garden has a very clear policy that is based on solid research methodology.  The policy on the Mind Garden website should be followed and such use needs to be cleared with Mind Garden.

Translations of instruments

Translations need a signed translation agreement with Mind Garden.  Mind Garden maintains on its website a page designating existing translations and how to receive the translation. If a translation needs to be developed, the translator must enter into an agreement to do so. Information for establishing a translation agreement appears on the Mind Garden website.  All rights to the translation go to the copyright holder and a copy of the translation needs to be sent to the publisher.  As a service to the research community, Mind Garden makes these translations available.

The instrument manual versus the instrument itself

There is a difference between an instrument manual and the instrument itself. If you are referring to the manual, look on the title page of the manual for the title and copyright date, if you are referring to the instrument, look on the first page of the instrument.

 

If you still have a question, just phone us at (650) 322-6300 USA or use our contact form here.