Page 3 - LESSION 14.pmd

Methods of Child Study

Longitudinal Research: is a study of research issues collecting information
from a set of people at different intervals of time over a decided period. To
study the selected problem, the sample is followed over time and data is Notes
gathered from the same set of participants at different points of time. Even
though rich and useful information is gathered, such studies are expensive and
difficult to sustain.

Case Study: It is an in-depth study of individuals, groups or institutions. This
kind of study is done using several techniques. In the Case Study approach,
both standardized as well as other techniques of study can be used.

Experimental Design: It is a research design in which two or more groups are
compared under similar conditions where each group may get a different
treatment (intervention).For example, in the experimental design involving two
groups, the group which receives the intervention is called the control group
and the other group under study which does not receive the intervention is called
the experimental group.

14.2 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF STUDY

It is important to identify the methods or techniques of gathering data depending
on the age of the children or their literacy level as there are many different ways
to engage with children. Although, the methods are based on ordinary and
everyday experiences of human beings like talking and watching other people,
however, the difference in scientific study is that they are systematic, reliable,
standardized and valid methods. Under different methods, different tools are
used to collect data from the participants.

14.2.1 Selecting a Tool

Once the basic design is decided, the next step is to identify the method for
data collection. This method would be decided keeping in mind the age,
educational background and the nature of the research problem. For example,
infant studies would rely more on observation, and large-scale investigations
of educational practices can be conducted through a questionnaire. Attitudes
and choices of illiterate populations can be gathered through interviews. Also,
nuances of interactions are captured best through interview method. A good tool
must possess certain characteristics discussed below.

• Reliability: Implies that on repeated use, tools should give consistent or
stable results. For example, the results obtained from the tool should remain
the same regardless of the time of administration of the tool and the
researcher.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 81