<p>Aim This article aims to provide clear explanations of the research approaches available for nursing research.</p> <p>Background There are numerous research approaches available to the nurse researcher. There is also some ambiguity in the literature in relation to research terminology and this often leads to confusion about which approach to adopt.</p> <p>Data sources A review of the available and most up-to-date literature.</p> <p>Discussion The most commonly adopted approaches in nursing research are described and discussed.</p> <p>Conclusion This article explains the research paradigms and the rationales for choosing particular paradigms while part two will provide an explanation of the methodological options available to the researcher. A table is included that summarises the key information related to each paradigm.</p> <p>Implications for practice/research These articles will be particularly useful for the novice researcher or for the doctoral student.</p>