Nursing: finding, reading and using articles

Once you have found articles on your search topic, you will need to critically appraise the studies you have found.

This process involves assessing the methodological quality of research, identifying any strengths or weaknesses and any risk of bias. The process of critical appraisal will help you gain insight into the quality of evidence available and its value and usefulness in a particular context. 

The Critical appraisal for medical and health sciences guide will introduce you to the basics of critical appraisal.

What is critical reading?

Reading critically means asking questions as you read a text, so you can identify:

• the central argument (when we talk about the ‘central argument’ we mean the main point that the author is trying to make and the way they do this)
• the evidence that is used to support that argument
• the strengths and weaknesses of the argument and the evidence
• where the text fits in with other texts on the same subject
• your own standpoint in relation to what you are reading

More informqation is available via the Taking a Critical Approach/Critical Appraisal guide.