Reading and Understanding Research (1st Ed.). (1998) Lawrence F. Locke, Stephen J. Silverman, and Waneen Wyrick Spirduso. Sage. 240 pp., $39.95. ISBN 0-7619-0307-0. [A second edition is now available.]

Review by: Ahnalee Brincks

College of Nursing

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

When was the last time you read a research article and felt that you had a useful understanding of what it contained? Did you come away with a clear grasp of how the study contributed to the literature? Were you able to discern how well the procedures addressed the research question? Did the stated limitations of the work match your perceptions? Maybe, like many busy practitioners, you scanned the introduction for the research question, breezed past the methods and results, and spent a little more time in the discussion seeking the author's main conclusions. Because of time constraints, this is the best most advisors can do.

If, however, you long for a better understanding of professional research, Reading and Understanding Research can help develop your skills in this area. Locke, Silverman, and Spirduso's book provides a thorough review of how to read the current research and provides a number of practical tools for understanding both quantitative and qualitative studies.

The authors present a definition of research studies, an introduction to researchers (including constraints faced by writers of research), and considerations for the important concept of credibility. The final half of the book provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative studies as well as an extensive compilation of critical questions to ask when reading any study.

"We know of no magic trick or intellectual gimmick that will make reading research reports an easy task. What we can offer, however, is a means for organizing the process that will reduce . the tendency to become overwhelmed by the flood of details that appear in most reports" (p. 74). And they do. Affectionately called "doing the 12 step," the process is quite useful. Through this strategy, the reader of a research piece employs a worksheet for tracking answers to 12 essential questions regarding the article. Examples include the basic research question, who or what was studied, the major steps, the stated limitations, and a brief statement on what the reader found valuable.

Locke, Silverman and Spirduso are true to their audience and maintain a teaching approach by offering encouragement throughout the text. Many readers find that the statistical analyses presented in professional publications can be the most alienating aspects of research. These individuals will find another valuable piece is an overview table delineating many of the statistical analyses used by researchers. The Appendix also offers a brief but comprehensive overview of statistics.

There are few limitations to this book. At the outset, the writing style and structure can seem more formal than one might expect after reading that the authors' stated goal is to simplify the subject. However, as one continues to read the text, it becomes clear that the writing style offers a helpful bridge between conventional writing and research writing.

Reading and Understanding Research is a useful addition to the reading list of any advisor hoping to develop his or her skills. Readers are likely to find that the text leaves them with a more thorough understanding of what to expect from empirical research as well as an indispensable confidence boost in approaching what can be an intimidating area.