Learn to read, critically appraise, and apply research studies to evidence-based nursing practice! Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice, 8th Edition shows how the use of research evidence can improve patient care and outcomes. In examining your role in nursing research, the book provides a guide to quantitative and qualitative research, mixed methods research, and outcomes research, and makes it easier to understand key topics such as data measurement and the use of statistics in research. A unique Research Example format helps to emphasize the importance of building critical appraisal skills. Written by noted educators Susan K. Grove and Jennifer R. Gray, this title is consistently recognized as the leading undergraduate textbook of nursing research and evidence-based practice. Clear, step-by-step organization introduces the research process and critical appraisal skills, identified as a competency in the 2021 AACN Essentials and a key emphasis of the Next-Generation NCLEX® Examination (NGN). Strong focus on EBP helps you develop skills in appraising and applying published studies, demonstrating how to apply evidence to clinical practice. Authoritative content is written by pioneers and practitioners of nursing research who offer unique, firsthand insights into the field. Balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative research shows how to approach published studies with an unbiased view of the researcher's methodology. Research Examples are updated with high-quality nursing research and quality improvement studies showing how to critically appraise the nursing literature. Critical Appraisal Guidelines boxes provide step-by-step guidance in critically appraising published research studies. Summary tables, illustrations, and boxes promote in-depth learning of processes and approaches for today's increasingly evidence-based clinical practice. Introduction to mixed-methods and outcomes research examines these increasingly popular methodologies in nursing research. NEW! Updated content throughout the book focuses on the most relevant, need-to-know information to help you understand the research and evidence-based practice (EBP) processes. NEW! Research / Evidence-Based Practice Tips provide expert advice to help you critically appraise published studies for application to clinical practice.