Abstract

The new edition upholds the premise that knowledge about research process and design is mandatory in today's health care arena, and that all nurses and midwives need to understand research findings and their implication for changing practice. It is completely revised with many new chapters. The text has been restructured into three sections. Section 1 Research Awareness sets the scene for the importance of nursing and midwifery research and provides an overview of research theory and practice as processes. Chapters on searching for and reviewing the literature provide detailed advice for undergraduates and facilitate access to research articles online. One of the new chapters discusses ethical issues in Australia and New Zealand. Section 2 Appreciation and Application provides a detailed discussion of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches with many useful examples from the clinical area. Section 3 Conducting primary research is new and is designed to accommodate both undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research effort. Writing research proposals may be a requirement for undergraduates in their research program and postgraduates will find the information useful for undertaking a higher degree or applying for university or external funding. This final Section is also useful as a guide on disseminating and publishing conducted research findings.

• Combined Australian and New Zealand editorship ensures greater trans-Tasman coverage, awareness and relevance.
• Contributions from international luminaries are balanced by a heightened focus on research conducted within Australia and New Zealand.
• New edition conscientiously recognises midwifery research as related to but independent from nursing.
• The research process-driven approach is directed towards ‘consumers' of research, and the comprehensive coverage extends from undergraduate through to a postgraduate level of knowledge.
• Expanded pedagogy includes Key Terms and Learning Outcomes at the beginning of each chapter; Icons throughout that direct readers to web-based material; Evidence-based Tips, Research in Brief boxes and Points to Ponder for constant reinforcement that links evidence to practice.
• Integrated Tutorial Triggers with suggested answers provided and Multiple Choice Questions enable students to assess their understanding of key points.
• Evolve Website provides True/False questions and access to journal articles cited in the text, with additional reflective questions.