A nurses’ guide to the critical reading of research

Abstract

Objective: A sound theoretical foundation to guide practice is enhanced by the ability of nurses to evaluate and implement research. This article provides a structured route to questioning the methodology of nursing research as well as aiding the construction of nursing research.

Primary Argument: It is common for students to wonder about the relevance of research (Wright-St Clairand et al 2014). Gaining a degree in the health sector requires the nurse to be familiar with research in a way that informs practice (Wright-St Clair et al 2014). Nurses may benefit from a structured approach that helps them understand the sequence of the text and the subsequent value of a research paper (Moxham 2012).

Conclusion: A framework is provided within this article to assist in the analysis of a research paper in a systematic, logical order. The questions presented in the framework may lead the nurse to conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of research methods presented in a research article. The framework does not intend to separate quantitative or qualitative paradigms but to assist the nurse in making broad observations about the nature of the research.