What are the fundamental elements of good quantitative and qualitative research? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? What does research offer early childhood education? Are quantitative and qualitative approaches compatible? This book presents the research process and its components in a straightforward, easily accessible manner. Using real examples from early childhood education, authors William L. Goodwin and Laura D. Goodwin "bring to life" for the first time the various methods of research and how they may be studied and applied. They explore the major aspects of both quantitative and qualitative paradigms and techniques, stressing the compatibility and complementary nature of the two approaches that are so often seen as mutually exclusive if not downright contradictory.

Understanding Research in Early Childhood Education: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods prepares readers to be informed consumers of early childhood research. Rather than following the traditional format of covering quantitative and qualitative methods separately, this innovative textbook offers side-by-side coverage and comparison about the assumptions, questions, purposes and methods for each, offering unique perspectives for understanding young children and early care and education programs. Understanding Research in Early Childhood Education is broadly based across the major research paradigms, and numerous examples are offered throughout the text. Through the use of this book, students will be able to more knowledgeably read, evaluate, and use empirical literature. These skills are becoming more important as early childhood educators are increasingly expected to use evidence-based research in practice and to participate in collecting and analyzing data to inform their teaching.

This second edition invites readers to be informed consumers of both quantitative and qualitative methods in early childhood research. It offers side-by-side coverage and comparison about the assumptions, questions, purposes, and methods for each, presenting unique perspectives for understanding young children and early care and education programs. The new edition includes updated examples and references as well as a new chapter on equity issues in research. By using this book, students will be able to read, evaluate, and use empirical literature more knowledgeably. These skills are becoming more important as early childhood educators are increasingly expected to use evidence-based research in practice and to participate in collecting and analyzing data to inform their teaching.

This second edition invites readers to be informed consumers of both quantitative and qualitative methods in early childhood research. It offers side-by-side coverage and comparison about the assumptions, questions, purposes and methods for each, presenting unique perspectives for understanding young children and early care and education programs. The new edition includes updated examples and references as well as a new chapter on equity issues in research. By using this book, students will be able to read, evaluate, and use empirical literature more knowledgeably. These skills are becoming more important as early childhood educators are increasingly expected to use evidence-based research in practice and to participate in collecting and analyzing data to inform their teaching.

How can qualitative researchers make the case for the value of their work in a climate that emphasizes so-called "scientifically-based research?" What is the future of qualitative research when such approaches do not meet the narrow criteria being raised as the standard? In this timely collection, editor J. Amos Hatch and contributors argue that the best argument for the efficacy of qualitative studies in early childhood is the new generation of high quality qualitative work. This collection brings together studies and essays that represent the best work being done in early childhood qualitative studies, descriptions of a variety of research methods, and discussions of important issues related to doing early childhood qualitative research in the early 21st century. Taking a unique re-conceptualist point of view, the collection includes materials spanning the full range of early childhood settings and provides cutting edge views by leading educators of new methods and perspectives.

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.

This bestselling book is still the best choice for helping early childhood teachers understand the process of assessment and evaluation to benefit young children. With the advent of the No Child Left Behind Act, testing, accountability, and standards are now pervasive throughout early childhood education. Completely revised to address the issues that have been raised by these new policies, the Second Edition features completely new chapters on: assessment of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, addressing the new makeup of today's classroom; assessment of children with special needs, focusing on the relationship among assessment, curriculum, and instruction; and the addition of a helpful glossary of terms and an annotated listing of assessment instruments used in early childhood education.