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.

Jennifer J. Mueller is Dean of the College of Education and Professor of Teacher Education at DePaul University, USA.

Nancy File is Professor Emerita in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.

Andrew J. Stremmel is Professor Emeritus in the School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development at South Dakota State University, USA.

Iheoma U. Iruka is Research Professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA.

Kristin L. Whyte is Associate Professor of Education at Mt. Mary University, USA.