Overview

This module acts as a gateway to the world of childhood research. By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Understand how research paradigms shape our approach to studying childhood. • Define key features of different research designs and critically apprise their use.
• Find and research published research articles and identify their key findings (alongside potential critiques). • Choose and adapt research designs to promote engagement and inclusion. • Confidently navigate and apply current ethical guidelines.

This module acts as a gateway to the world of childhood research. By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Understand how research paradigms shape our approach to studying childhood. • Define key features of different research designs and critically apprise their use. • Find and research published research articles and identify their key findings (alongside potential critiques). • Choose and adapt research designs to promote engagement and inclusion. • Confidently navigate and apply current ethical guidelines.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold (D-, D, D+): A satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the academic field of Childhood Studies. Able to give a basic explanation of the key ideas in the field and note the researchers associated with these. An adequate ability to evaluate the quality and reliability of previous research in relation to children and childhood. Able to give a satisfactory account of the key issues in relation to research with children and show an adequate understanding of ethical issues relevant to this work.

-good -Good (C-, C, C+): A good knowledge and understanding of the academic field of Childhood Studies. Able to give a clear and detailed explanation of the key ideas in the field and note the researchers associated with these. A good ability to evaluate the quality and reliability of previous research in relation to children and childhood. Able to give a detailed account of key issues in relation to research with children and show a good understanding of ethical issues relevant to this work.

-excellent -Excellent (A-, A, A+, A*): A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the academic field of Childhood Studies Able to give a thorough and well-researched explanation of the key ideas in the field with clear citations to the relevant researchers. An exceptional ability to evaluate the quality and reliability of previous research in relation to children and childhood. Able to give a thorough and considered account of key issues in relation to research with children and show a good understanding of ethical issues relevant to this work.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. Define and critique popular research designs within Childhood Studies and related fields.

• 2. Discuss the specific issues related to research with children including ethical considerations.

• 3. Evaluate the quality and reliability of previous research in relation to children and childhood.

• 4. Interpret meaning from research sources and apply this to inform discussion and/or practice with children