Research Methods in Early Childhood

Designed to support your early childhood studies, this is the companion for your research journey. Structured to follow key topics as you encounter them on your course, this book leads you through the concepts and processes needed to design and carry out successful and ethical early childhood research.

This fifth edition includes:

New coverage of the ethics of power dynamics in research and using focus group workshops and zines as research tools.
Guidance on how to develop your online researcher presence.
Research in Focus boxes, which introduce you to real world examples of research from around the world.
Activities to help strengthen your knowledge and understanding of research.
Case Studies, drawn from real student research projects, which demonstrate best practice approaches to your course research.

Author Biography

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.