A nurses' guide to the critical reading of research

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.