Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2017 - 2018
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Description This module will introduce students to the methodologies and methods in researching with babies, toddlers and young children. It will prepare them to engage in their own research with young children, using mainly qualitative approaches. Students who wish to pursue research where a quantitative approach is required will be facilitated and supported accordingly. Studies involving babies, toddlers and young children will be examined and analysed with reference to key research constructs. The issues involved in flexible research design will be foregrounded. A range of research strategies will be explored, in particular action research and case study approaches.Strategies and methods from the quantitative paradigm will also be explored. Students will become familiar with the structure required for an academic research report. The importance of familiarity with the literature about a chosen topic will be emphasised, as will the importance of the research question. Ethical issues in early childhood research will receive considerable attention also. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the values and principles underlying high-quality research with babies, toddlers and young children 2. Describe the fundamental elements of a research project involving young children 3. Justify the use of particular methods in researching with/about babies, toddlers and young children 4. Identify potential topics for investigation in early education settings 5. Identify a good research question and write a clear well-structured proposal as to how that question will be explored 6. Assess the ethical issues arising in relation to a particular research investigation and complete a related research ethics protocol. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities 1• Reflecting on and improving practice in early education settings2• Looking at research studies involving young children: Why? Who? What? How?3• Principles of high-quality early childhood research4• Ethical considerations in researching with babies, toddles and young children5• Applying appropriate research methods for working with babies, toddlers and young children6• Designing a research study to be carried out in an early education setting7• Writing and refining the research proposal8• Completing an ethics research protocol | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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