Research Methods In Health Social And Early Years Care

A basic understanding of research methods is essential for the successful completion of any essay, project or dissertation in health, social or early years care. This work explains all the key issues and techniques that will be of particular use to students undertaking a research project. The book covers the key areas of research methodology, the literature search, ethics, validity, reliability and referencing. It also provides detailed guidance on planning, conducting and presenting your project.

Offering in-depth information for modules on research methods for all Early Years and Care course, this title covers: methods and types of research; evaluating and analyzing data; implementing and recording results; and writing reports. It features topical case studies and activities reinforce learning.

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.

This is the first textbook to show how research using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods relate to improving health and social care practice. The book shows how different research approaches are undertaken in practice and of the challenges and strengths of different methodologies, thus facilitating students to make informed decisions when choosing which to use in their own research projects. The eleven chapters are each structured around different research methods and include: A brief overview of the research and research question Identification and overview of the research approach and associated methods selected to answer this question The sample and recruitment, including issues and challenges Ethical concerns Practical issues in undertaking the research approach Links between the research process and findings to health and social care values Links to the full research study Further reading It will be required reading for all students of social work; social care; nursing; public health; and health studies and is particularly suitable for those on widening participation courses.

This accessible and clearly structured book, written by experienced researchers and practitioners, provides a one-stop introduction to the most common qualitative, quantitative and desk-based research designs and methods in health and social care.

'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.

'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.

'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.

Early Childhood educational research is a constantly evolving field. This book brings together Cathy Nutbrown’s considerable knowledge and expertise in the field, to deliver a comprehensive and critical overview of national and international research. The strengths of various types of research, and their influence on theory, policy and practice, are identified along with new and emerging research areas, and anticipated future topics and patterns of research. Through an analytical discussion of research topics addressing Children, Adults and Pedagogy, these key areas are highlighted: - Issues in research design - Types of and trends in methodological approaches - The ethics of research With digestible chapter introductions, thinking points and suggestions for research or dissertation topics, readers are also able to locate their own work in an international landscape. This is the perfect ‘go to’ resource for all early childhood education and social science researchers. Cathy Nutbrown will be discussing ideas from Early Childhood Educational Research in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

This student textbook matches the mandatory units and key skills of the GNVQ in Health and Social Care qualification, advanced level. This revised edition contains information on key areas. Chapters and sub-chapters match the headings in the AVCE specifications, to ensure students find their way easily through the book. Every chapter contains case studies about real organizations, so that students can see how the theory they are learning is used every day in the real world.