This bestselling guide to undertaking your Early Years research project takes the reader on a practical step-by-step journey. Breaking down each section into accessible and digestible topics, and accompanied by a multitude of practical examples, case studies, research summaries and key points, the author brings this process to life. The updated and revised fourth edition includes: Useful additional resources at the end of each chapter Extended material on the child’s voice within research Signposted glossary terms throughout the text Updated website materials for further study From learning how to structure and organise your project, through to the final presentation and written report of your findings, this is the essential guide and companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout their early childhood and social science courses. Guy Roberts-Holmes will be discussing key ideas in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’ -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project? This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including: Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice. After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like. Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

This new edition of a much-loved book guides you through your Early Years research project from start to finish and draws on the work of Early Years practitioners to illustrate concepts and methods, bringing the entire process to life. Packed with research summaries, key points, checklists and discussion topics, the author shows you how to organise and structure your project, write a literature review, interpret findings and present/write up your project. This edition has been fully updated and revised to include up-to-date references, a focus on 'Reflective Practice', and coverage of Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as: - Coverage of Action Research, including examples - Increased material on using, presenting and analysing data, including using software - More reflective and detailed study aid including case studies, surveys, questions and activities This book is essential reading for students on early childhood studies courses, those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), teacher education, nursing, and social sciences. It is also useful for early years practitioners required to carry out small-scale research.

Research is something many Early Childhood Studies students find intimidating. As a result this book has been designed with early childhood student in mind to help them through the research process. The book covers the whole research journey exploring the different methodologies & principles as well as how to undertake a research project, making it a whole course companion. Following a linear and progressive structure, it logically helps students work through their course and introduces the topics to beginners in simple and clearly explained terms. Once students have gained confidence, they are able to delve into the further reading suggestions and the research in focus boxes which look at international published examples of research to understand the real world effects and implications. Activities throughout help cement knowledge and case studies giving examples and scenarios of real student research show readers how to present their own findings. A brand new reader guide to research to aid navigation and a new chapter on research proposals are now also included. This new Third Edition is also complemented by online resources that offer valuable additional resources for both instructors and students, including: Videos per-chapter relating to chapter outcomes supported by critical questions Flashcard glossary to consolidate learning MCQs to test understanding Testbank of questions for assignment setting Free journal articles for wider reading PowerPoint slides Penny Mukherji and Deborah Albon will be discussing ideas from Research Methods in Early Childhood in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

Are you worried about doing your early years action research project? Does the thought of choosing the right research question feel daunting? Are you concerned about the challenges you might face? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, then this is the book for you! Written in a lively and accessible style, this is the essential step-by-step guide to conducting your own action research project. The book introduces and evaluates different approaches to action research and explores how they can be applied in early childhood settings to create positive change and to improve practice. Using varied illustrations and case studies of contemporary projects in diverse early childhood contexts, the book addresses specific issues and challenges that you might face when conducting action research in such settings. Each chapter offers gentle guidance and support at a specific stage of the research process, from choosing your initial topic to formulating your research question, through to sharing the lessons of your project. The book's key features include: 16 'Steps' that walk you through the process of conducting your action research project References to real life research projects to illustrate key ideas, themes, practices and debates Advice on creating an action research journal, with sample extracts 'Thinking Boxes' in each chapter to encourage you to review and reflect on the chapter's contents as you plan your research project Checklists in each chapter of key concepts, processes and themes, together with further resources The authors explore some difficult issues associated with action research, including ethics, rigour, validity, critical reflection, and social and professional change. They show that there is more than one 'right' way to perform an action research project and advise you how to choose an approach that is appropriate for your particular interests and circumstances. Doing Action Research in Early Childhood Studies is an essential resource for students and practitioners of early childhood studies.

′Andrea Nolan and he colleagues have written a uniquely wise and reader-friendly account of all aspects of researching early childhood′ - Liz Brooker, Reader in Early Childhood, University of London Institute of Education In this innovative guide to research in early childhood, the research process is presented as a journey and this book is your roadmap. The authors take you step-by-step through the practical considerations and complexities of undertaking research with young children featuring the real-world research journeys of two student researchers. Their authentic stories describe the emotions, challenges and moments of exhilaration involved in completing a research project. The book gives guidance on all aspects of the research process, including: - selecting a topic - ethical considerations - collecting your data - analysing your data - disseminating your findings. This book will be an invaluable guide to students of Early Childhood completing a research project or writing a thesis or dissertation.

"What a useful book for the beginner researcher! Offering a grounding in the different kinds of research conducted in the field of early childhood, this book’s inviting and accessible style will support the novice researcher, and the development of criticality in relation to research." Deborah Albon, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, University of Roehampton What does the term ‘research’ in early childhood actually mean? What does research involve, and how do you go about doing it? This book explains exactly what ‘research’ is; it explores key ideas, themes and terminology to provide you with a clear understanding of its importance to your early years or early childhood studies degree. It will help you: · Understand what it means to think critically, and unpick childhood research · Learn how to analyse, examine and understand the importance of others’ research · Get to know how research is designed and carried out · Appreciate the importance of ethics · Get to grips with translating research into real life in an early childhood setting. Laying the foundations to develop your confidence in talking about research and making links between theory and practice, this book will support you as you begin your research journey into the world of early years. Polly Bolshaw is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. Jo Josephidou is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. Polly Bolshaw and Jo Josephidou will be discussing ideas from Introducing Research in Early Childhood in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie. Find out more here.