Decisions and Dilemmas of Research Methods in Early Childhood Education (Routledge Research in Early Childhood Education)

This book examines the methodological decisions made by researchers working in early childhood contexts. Viewed from a researcher’s perspective, each chapter explores the journey of the researcher, capturing their decision-making processes in early childhood research.

Through themes such as the politics of ethics and how different cultural norms shape research in different localities, Decisions and Dilemmas of Research Methods in Early Childhood Education explores key questions such as: What are the ethical issues arising during early childhood research? Which research traditions and methodologies prevail and why? How are research subjects perceived and positioned within different research contexts? What interdisciplinary tensions or opportunities arise between different ways of working across early childhood research? The book critically unpacks how these decisions are made and by whom during the course of research. Each chapter includes reflections of researchers working across disciplines such as education, health and social work to understand the thinking, forces and actors that shape decisions made during the research process.

This is essential reading for researchers working in early childhood contexts in fields such as social work, health, education, criminology, psychology and more.

Anne Keary’s research, teaching and engagement work enhance the provision of socially just education in diverse cultural and linguistic educational settings. She undertakes qualitative longitudinal intergenerational research. Anne teaches in the area of early childhood education and care at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Janet Scull is Associate Professor in Language and Literacy at Monash University. Her research interests focus on the areas of language and literacy acquisition, literacy teaching and assessment and practices that support the continuity of children’s literacy learning across early childhood settings and the early years of schooling.

Susanne Garvis is a Professor of Education and Chair of the Department of Education at Swinburne University of Technology. She is an international expert in quality improvement within early childhood education and care.

Lucas Walsh is Director of the Monash Centre for Youth Policy & Education Practice in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. His research focuses on children and young people's transitions throughout school and to post-school life and the implications for educators, other service providers and policy makers.