′How I wish I′d had a book like this when I first started my career as a researcher into early years education and care! There′s something for everyone, and I wholeheartedly commend it to those embarking upon, or wishing to extend their knowledge of, early childhood research; - Professor Emeritus Janet Moyles, Early Years & Play Consultant
′This text covers an excellent range of issues. In particular, the mix of academic background to topics and practical application will make it an excellent resource for students′ - Damien Fitzgerald, Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, Sheffield Hallam University
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 indispensible for all students undertaking research in early childhood.
Penny Mukherji and Deborah Albon are both Senior Lecturers in Early Childhood Studies at London Metropolitan University.
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.
