ABSTRACT
Many of the authors make reference to a variety of research reports that provide the 'evidence' for counseling, psychotherapy or mental health practice. This chapter helps the individuals to develop the critical appraisal skills which are necessary in writing essays, doing a degree, conducting research, or simply looking for the evidence. It has become increasingly important, particularly in the field of counseling, to generate research to inform primary and secondary care and further this profession. When critiquing any research article, the reader needs to consider whether or not the introduction and background sections not only 'set the scene' but justify conducting the study. The reader needs to consider whether or not the method used is capable of answering the aim of the study with the identified population in the environment used. Data analysis needs to be appropriate to the data and also has to be capable of answering the aim and objectives.
