1 Introduction

Why Read Research Articles?

Some Friendly Advice About Reading Research Articles

Check Out the Reader's Companion Worksheets

2 Easy Steps for Reading Research

Title Abstract

Introduction

Theory Issues

Methods

Design

Part 1: Qualitative Design Methods

Rigour in Qualitative Studies

Sample and Setting

Data Collection

Data Analysis and Results

Part 2: Quantitative Design Methods

Experimental Designs

Non-Experimental Designs

Rigour in Quantitative Studies

Sample

Data Collection

How to Judge the Rigour of a Data Collection Tool

Sensitivity and Specificity

Data Analysis and Results

Descriptive Statistics

Inferential Statistics

Part 3: Mixed Methods Research

Mixed Methods Study Characteristics

Mixed Methods Data Collection and Analysis

Results and Discussion

A Final Suggestion: The Acknowledgements

3 Finding Interesting Research Results

Where and How to Start

Define Your Clinical Question

Steps in Constructing a PICO Chart

Search a Database for Relevant Research

Search Terms

How Far Back Should You Search?

Review Articles

How to Read the Fictional Forest Plot Depicting a Meta-Analysis

Appraising Reviews

Searching the Internet for Research Articles

Peer Review

A Cautionary Note About Predatory or Fake Journals on the Internet

How Will I Know If a Journal Is Fake?

Why Should I Be Concerned If the Paper Is Published in a Predatory Journal

Web Portals

Other Types of Databases

Keeping Up to Date

Social Media: Facebook

4 Using Research Results

Research Utilization

The Questions to Ask

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation

Practice Guideline Websites

The Decision to Use Research Results

Gathering Support and Resources

Want to Learn More?

Bibliography

Glossary

Journals That Publish Peer-Reviewed Research

Worksheets

1. Qualitative Research: The Reader's Companion Worksheet

2. Quantitative Research: The Reader's Companion Worksheet

3. Mixed Methods Research: The Reader's Companion

Worksheet

4. Systematic Reviews: The Reader's Companion Worksheet

5. Using Research Results: The Reader's Companion

Worksheet