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.

Research methods is a challenging topic for many students. When you are new to research you need a step-by-step guide which introduces the subject area in a clear and accessible way. This book does exactly that. Designed with the early childhood student in mind, this book is the companion to your research journey. Following a progressive structure this book leads you logically through the processes needed to design and carry out meaningful and ethical research.

This Fourth Edition includes:

• Two new chapters, separating out quantitative data analysis and qualitative data analysis
• A reader guide at the beginning of the book to aid navigation.
• Research in Focus boxes, which introduce you to real world examples of international research
• Activities to help cement knowledge and understanding.
• Case Studies which describe examples and scenarios of real student research, which demonstrate best practice and show how to present findings.
• An extended glossary to support readers in learning complicated terminology.

Online resources complement this new edition, offering valuable resources for instructions and students including:

• Author videos, offering tips and explanations.
• Flashcard glossary to consolidate learning
• MCQs to test understanding
• Free journal articles for wider reading
• PowerPoint slides