Research in the Early Years : A step-by-step guide

This new text is the only resource out there to address the needs of today’s early years students/trainees and support them through every stage of the early years research process.

Research in the Early Years contains case study material in the form of four fictional students’ experiences, which run through the book. Readers follow these example students through their dissertation module as they address common problems, issues and pitfalls.

Clear explanations and a step-by-step approach are balanced with sufficient depth and rigour to challenge those on undergraduate courses or following graduate programmes such as EYPS.

This essential new text will serve as an invaluable guide for all those doing research in the Early Years, leading you through issues you may encounter during the research process; from initial planning to literature research, and on to writing and revising your final report.

The authors explore and explain a broad range of research methodologies in a clear, accessible way, highlighting key terms and theories within the text.  Questionnaires, interviews and observation are discussed as methods of data collection alongside coverage of ethical considerations such as children’s consent.

Highly practical in its approach, the book centres around case studies of a group of first-time researchers, charting their progress as they embark on their respective research projects in a way that is true to everyday experiences of students and practitioners alike.

''Here is a book which considers the practical and methodological issues of undertaking primary research into early years practice.  It offers practical advice on what to do in order to successfully complete undergraduate research projects, from designing research questions to writing up the final report.''

Christine Such, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood, Anglia Ruskin University