Research Methods in Early Childhood

Penny Mukherji has been involved in educating students in the field of early childhood for 30 years and during this time has developed a deep understanding of how to support students on their learning journeys. Before her retirement Penny was a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at London Metropolitan University, where an important part of her teaching involved supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate students completing their research projects. Penny continues to be actively involved in the university, both as a tutor for students who are distance learners and as a supervisor for students completing their dissertations. With a background in health and psychology, Penny is an established author, with a special interest in the health and well-being of young children. Deborah Albon was a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton until her recent retirement when she became Honorary Fellow. Before this, she worked with Penny Mukherji at London Metropolitan University for many years. Deb has considerable experience teaching research methods to both undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as supporting them with their dissertations. Deborah’s research interests are primarily focused around food and drink provisioning and play in early childhood settings. Deborah is widely published in this area and has recently co-edited an early childhood related Special Issue of the journal Ethnography and Education.Karen Boardman has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for 40 years and more recently, as a researcher over the last 10 years. Karen’s research interests and publications are focused on under-threes, literacy, early reading, play, leadership and research circles. Her recent publication for Sage Early Literacy for Under-Fives has been well received by the early childhood sector. Karen is the Head of Department for Early Years Education at Edge Hill University, supporting undergraduate students, postgraduate students and colleagues with their research projects. Karen is also the Director of the new International Centre for Early Years Education (ICEYE) at Edge Hill University.

• IntroductionPart I: Planning Your Research StudyChapter 1. Research DesignChapter 2. The Research ProposalChapter 3. Reviewing the LiteraturePart II: Paradigms and PrinciplesChapter 4. Positivist ResearchChapter 5. Critical TheoriesChapter 6. EthicsChapter 7. Listening to Young ChildrenPart III: Approaches to ResearchChapter 8. SurveysChapter 9. Case StudiesChapter 10. Action ResearchPart IV: MethodsChapter 11. ObservationChapter 12. InterviewsChapter 13. QuestionnairesChapter 14. Using Documents and Visual TextsChapter 15. Journaling as a Research ToolChapter 16. Creative Methods for ‘Listening’ to Children and embedding The Voice of the Child in ResearchPart V: Analysing and Sharing Your FindingsChapter 17. Analysing and Presenting Quantitative DataChapter 18. Qualitative Methods of Data AnalysisChapter 19. Writing up and Sharing Your FindingsConclusion