Research Methods in Early Childhood: An Introductory Guide

This highly engaging and easy-to-read introductory text is tailored to meet the needs of early childhood students. It includes practical examples of research with and about young children and babies, and encourages the reader to take an interactive approach. By offering clear guidance on research methods, as well as advice on how to develop skills as a researcher, the book takes students step-by-step through the process of doing a research project and provides a detailed grounding in the subject.

The book covers:

an introduction to research methodology

various approaches to research, including action research

designing a questionnaire

carrying out observations and interviews

undertaking a piece of independent research from start to finish

understanding and critiquing the research of others

ethical issues in early childhood research

real life examples of how to tackle different aspects of research.

The authors break down the content into four main sections:

Paradigms and Principles;

Approaches to Research;

Methods;

Carrying out a Research Project.

Each chapter contains learning objectives, case studies, research in focus sections, reflection points, a summary and suggestions for further reading. The language used throughout is accessible, and a full glossary of terms is included.

This book is indispensable for all students undertaking research in early childhood.