Jennifer J. Mueller

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.

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.