This book includes a set of rigorous and accessible studies on the topic of “research evidence” from a variety of levels and educational vantage points. It also provides the reader with thoughtful commentaries from leading thinkers in the field. The complex process of acquiring, interpreting, and using research evidence makes for a rich and under examined area in educational research, practice and policymaking. Policy makers, practitioners and scholars are in need of additional knowledge and practical steps in terms of the uptake of evidence into practice. In addition, sharpening understanding in terms of the ways in which research evidence is shaped or adapted at different educational levels (school, district, state, federal) as well the factors that support or constrain the acquisition and use of research evidence is of immediate use. While professional support for evidence-based practice in schools has never been stronger, credible research has found only weak large-scale effects. This book provides us with key insights about the nature of this problem and a comprehensive approach to its solution; it is a major step toward realizing the considerable potential for school improvement of reciprocal working relationships among policy, practice and research communities. Ken Leithwood, Emeritus Professor, OISE/University of Toronto The problem of scant research use at school sites is old, but the federal to classroom level scope of this book is unique. The authors' analysis of the current status leads to despair, but they provide a clear and compelling path forward. Michael Kirst, Professor Emeritus, Stanford University; President, California State Board of Education. We have come a long way since the linear "Research, Dissemination, Utilization" models of knowledge use of the 1970s and 80s. Each chapter in this book lays out new directions for understanding how individuals, relationships and systems advance or impede the movement of new ideas into policy/practice. Taken together, they redefine knowledge use as a dynamic process that affects and is affected by specific characteristics of the social structures in which is occurs. It is a "must read" both for those interested in educational change and organizational theory. Karen Seashore Louis, Regents Professor, University of Minnesota

'Using Evidence' provides a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the research use agenda. The book considers how research use & the impact of research can be assessed. It is useful for university & government researchers, research funding bodies, public service managers & professionals, & students of public policy & management.

The basic understanding which underlies scientific evidence - ideas such as the structure of experiments, causality, repeatability, validity and reliability- is not straightforward. But these ideas are needed to judge evidence in school science, in physics or chemistry or biology or psychology, in undergraduate science, and in understanding everyday issues to do with science. It is essential to be able to be critical of scientific evidence. The authors clearly set out the principles of investigation so that the reader will be confident in questioning the experts, making an informed choice or arriving at in informed opinion. The book is intended for a wide range of readers including those who want to: } collect their own evidence } be able to question and judge a wide range of science-based issues that we come across in the press or other media in everyday life } teach others how to understand evidence. This book has been developed from the authors′ work with first year undergraduates in a combined science course and in primary teacher training for science specialists. It is suitable for students training as primary science specialists, and also for ′A′ level and first-year undergraduates in science and science-related subjects.

The latest edition of an essential text to help students and practitioners distinguish between research studies that should and should not influence practice decisions Now in its third edition, Practitioner's Guide to Using Research for Evidence-Informed Practice delivers an essential and practical guide to integrating research appraisal into evidence-informed practice. The book walks you through the skills, knowledge, and strategies you can use to identify significant strengths and limitations in research. The ability to appraise the veracity and validity of research will improve your service provision and practice decisions. By teaching you to be a critical consumer of modern research, this book helps you avoid treatments based on fatally flawed research and methodologies. Practitioner's Guide to Using Research for Evidence-Informed Practice, Third Edition offers: An extensive introduction to evidence-informed practice, including explorations of unethical research and discussions of social justice in the context of evidence-informed practice. Explanations of how to appraise studies on intervention efficacy, including the criteria for inferring effectiveness and critically examining experiments. Discussions of how to critically appraise studies for alternative evidence-informed practice questions, including nonexperimental quantitative studies and qualitative studies. A comprehensive and authoritative blueprint for critically assessing research studies, interventions, programs, policies, and assessment tools, Practitioner's Guide to Using Research for Evidence-Informed Practice belongs in the bookshelves of students and practitioners of the social sciences.

Using sample clinical cases together with published research articles that relate to the cases, the authors outline principles and skills students can apply to reading and comprehending published research when making professional decisions regarding the utilization of research reports in evidence-based nursing practice.

2012 First Place AJN Book of the Year Award Winner in Nursing Research! "This is a resource for success and should be a part of any researcher's library."--Doody's Medical Reviews This book is a practical, user-friendly guide for health care researchers across multiple disciplines who are involved in intervention research. It provides all of the essential elements needed for understanding how to design, conduct, analyze, and fund intervention studies that are replicable and can withstand the scrutiny of the Institutional Review Board and peer review. Developed from an annual continuing education workshop on intervention studies conducted by Dr. Melnyk, this text is the most comprehensive body of information available on this topic. Contributors address the design of interventions that are ethically considerate and sensitive to culture, race/ethnicity, and gender, minimizing threats to external and internal validity, measurement, and budgeting. The guide explores such implementation issues as subject recruitment and retention, data management, and specialized settings, cost analysis, and explaining intervention effects. The text also guides readers in writing grant applications that fund , and addresses how to move intervention study findings into the real world. A unique addition to the book is the availability of digital examples of progress reports, final reports, and research grant applications that have received funding from the National Institutes of Health and other relevant organizations. This text is a valuable resource for all health care professionals conducting research and for doctoral students in health care studies. Key Features: Presents the essential tools for designing, conducting, analyzing, and funding intervention studies Designed for use by health care professionals conducting intervention research Provides comprehensive, accessible guidelines for doctoral students across all health care disciplines Instructs readers on writing grant applications that fund Includes digital examples of funded research grants, progress reports, and final reports

Designated a 2014 Doodyís Core Title by Doodyís Medical Reviews Concise and comprehensive, this book covers the basics of nursing research and the essentials of how to implement Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Using the short, reader-friendly, Fast Facts Series 'style,' the book is designed for those RNs studying Evidence Based Practice (EBP) who want quick access core content. Undergraduate nursing students who want a solid review of evidence based practice (& nursing research) will also find this book useful, as well as RN to BSNs student who need to assimilate content on basic nursing research. It is vital for both the practicing RNs and students to know the basics of EBP and understand how EBP can be implemented. Key features covered include: Delivery of a wide scope of EBP content in the abbreviated style of the Fast Facts series Includes coverage of quantitative and qualitative research approaches, defining the 'compelling question', finding and critiquing the evidence, and disseminating the research Unlocks the mystery surrounding systematic reviews and searching a database Class-tested content, used in seated and online course environments