The SAGE Key Concepts series provides students with accessible and authoritative knowledge of the essential topics in a variety of disciplines. Cross-referenced throughout, the format encourages critical evaluation through understanding. Written by experienced and respected academics, the books are indispensable study aids and guides to comprehension. Students of healthcare need to understand how research is applied to practice. This book opens up the concepts that inform qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research in short, concise chapters. A broad approach across healthcare is taken, so readers can gain an appreciation of a wide range of topics from systematic reviews to action research. Chapters also include case studies which link theory to practice. This is essential reading for nursing students at pre-registration level, undergraduate allied health students and qualified healthcare practitioners who are coming to the subject for the first time.