title: Understanding the basic aspects of research papers.
abstract: In order to understand research papers, readers must understand what research is, and be able to answer questions such as why a particular piece of research was undertaken and what 'lens' the researcher was looking through. This article, the first in a series of three, allows students and novice researchers to increase their understanding of the steps involved in research, and therefore to read and critique a piece of research with increased confidence.
authors.affiliation: City University, London.
authors.forename: Polly
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D013850:Thinking