Successful Dissertations

Whether looking for guidance on the whole process, needing help with conducting a literature review or interpreting your quantitative and qualitative data, this accessible and empowering guide will take you through the dissertation process and provide all the information you need to make the most of your research project. This edition includes: - new discussions on critical analysis and the use of internet and social media research data - an expanded chapter on quantitative method and a new section on mixed methods research - case studies from a broader range of education and early childhood settings, both formal and informal - an extended range of types of data analysis discussed - updated references and recommended reading suggestions throughout, reflecting changes in legislation - a glossary of key terms - new end-of-chapter reflective tasks - a new companion website providing all checklists and templates in the book as downloadable resources as well as new mind mapping templates, a supervisor record form, sample ethics form, sample letters to research settings, a pre-submission final checklist, research proposal examples and guidance on setting out tables, figures, appendices and managing your endnotes and reference list Successful Dissertations is the essential guide for all undergraduate researchers starting a dissertation project in an Education department.

Caron Carter is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Mark O'Hara is Professor and Associate Dean of Student Learning Experience in the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at Birmingham City University, UK. Janet Kay is Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Jonathan Wainwright is Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Pam Dewis is Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Preface Acknowledgements How to Use This Book 1. An Introduction to the Process of Enquiry and Research 2. Choosing Your Research Question and Getting Organised 3. Adopting an Ethical Approach to Your Research 4. Doing Your Literature Review 5. Research Methodologies 6. Data Collection Using Qualitative Methods 7. Data Collection Using Quantitative Methods 8. Data Analysis 9. Writing Your Dissertation Glossary References Index