[Instruments and methods of research]

Research papers published on some of the most well known medical and 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 papers, focusing on strengths, novelty and weaknesses in the hypothesis formulation, methods and instruments used, discussion of results. A critical analysis should enable nurses to start to learn to read and eventually write a research paper, possibly avoiding some common mistakes.