Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to nursing research in an evidence-based practice environment -- Evidence-based nursing practice : fundamentals -- Key concepts and steps in qualitative and quantitative research -- Reading and critiquing research reports -- Ethics in research -- Research problems, research questions, and hypotheses -- Literature reviews : finding and reviewing research evidence -- Theoretical and conceptual frameworks -- Quantitative research designs --

Qualitative designs and approaches -- Specific types of research -- Sampling plans -- Data collection methods -- Measurement and data quality -- Statistical analysis of quantitative data -- Rigor and interpretation in quantitative research -- Analysis of qualitative data -- Trustworthiness and integrity in qualitative research -- Systematic reviews : meta-analysis and metasynthesis.

The 7th edition of this text has been updated with stronger coverage and emphasis on evidence-based practice. There is an addition of a new chapter on how to read, interpret, and critique systematic reviews, which are considered by many to be a cornerstone of EBP. There is also new material relating to medical research methodology. This edition offers a more balanced presentation of medical and social science methods and nomenclature. It features improved content on qualitative methods, and a new chapter on the issue of quality and trustworthiness in qualitative inquiry. In addition there is greater assistance with interpretation; the authors provide students with an interpretive framework for both quantitative and qualitative research.

Student Objectives include: Learning objectives are identified in the chapter opener to focus students' attention on critical content. Key Terms: New terms are defined in context (and bolded) when used for the first time in the text. Each chapter concludes with a list of new terms many of which are reviewed in the chapter summary points. There are four full-length research articles: two quantitative and two qualitative. Two appear in the appendices of the textbook, and two are on the CD-ROM packaged with the book and the Point. Critiquing Guidelines. Each chapter includes guidelines for conducting a critique of various aspects of a research report. The guidelines sections provide a list of questions that walk students through a study, drawing attention to aspects of the study that are amenable to appraisal by research consumers. Electronic versions of the guidelines are available on the accompanying Student CD-ROM and the Point. Research Examples. Each chapter concludes with one or two actual research examples designed to highlight critical points made in the chapter and to sharpen the reader's critical thinking skills. Tips for Consumers. The textbook is filled with practical guidance and "tips" on how to translate the abstract notions of research methods into more concrete applications. These tips show students how to read research reports. Bulleted Summary Points. A list of summary points that focus on salient chapter content and key words is included at the end of each chapter. Critiquing Supports. Each chapter of the textbook concludes with "Critical Thinking Activities", exercises that provide opportunities to practice critiquing. Students can then consult the accompanying CD-ROM and the Point to find "answers." (In some cases, there are also comments by the actual researchers who conducted the studies).