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. (author abstract)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1|7 pages: Introduction 
Part I|108 pages: Structures of Research
Chapter 2|12 pages: How Do We Know? A Primer on the Nature of Knowing in Early Childhood Research 
Chapter 3|12 pages: Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Research 
Chapter 4|10 pages: The Culture and Contexts of Research in Early Childhood Education 
Chapter 5|16 pages: Methodologies 
Chapter 6|12 pages: Qualitative Research: Aims and Methods 
Chapter 7|14 pages: Understanding Analyses in Qualitative Research 
Chapter 8|12 pages: Quantitative Research: Aims and Methods 
Chapter 9|18 pages: Understanding Analyses in Quantitative Research 
Part II|54 pages: Asking Research Questions
Chapter 10|10 pages: Research Questions About Children
Chapter 11|11 pages: Research Questions About Adults in Children's Lives 
Chapter 12|11 pages: Research Questions About Curriculum and Classrooms 
Chapter 13|11 pages: Research Questions About Institutions and Policy 
Chapter 14|9 pages: Teacher Research 
Part III|15 pages: Conclusion
Chapter 15|4 pages: Research and Practice: Potentials, Challenges, and Limitations
Glossary |9 pages