[Methods and instruments of research: analysis of various articles]

Research papers published on some of the most well known medical sud nursing journals are presented and discussed. The main aim of the contribution, which opens an arena for discussion on the Rivista dell'Infermiere is to critically appraise published research works focusing both on strengths novelties and weaknesses in the hypothesis formulation, on the methods and instruments used, on the discussion of the results. A critical analysis should enable nurses to start learn to read and eventually write a research protocol, possibly avoiding some common mistakes.