Nursing is now a research-based profession. This means that all students need to: * become acquainted with the principles, mechanics and terminology of nursing research * understand why research is important, and how it is relevant to a 'practical' discipline such as nursing * learn how to evaluate other people's research and how to make use of research findings in everyday practice. This comprehensive introduction to the topic addresses these needs head-on. Particular strengths are the clear and accessible style and the use of genuine research examples (from all specialities within nursing) to illustrate the points being made.