Back to Search Start Over

Investigating the Effects of Pre‐school Provision: Using Mixed Methods in the EPPE Research.

Authors :
Sammons, Pam
Siraj‐Blatchford, Iram
Sylva, Kathy
Melhuish, Edward
Taggart, Brenda
Elliot, Karen
Source :
International Journal of Social Research Methodology; Jul2005, Vol. 8 Issue 3, p207-224, 18p
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

The Effective Provision of Pre-school Education (EPPE) project is a longitudinal study of young children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Research began in 1997 and both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to explore the effects of pre-school education on children’s attainment and social/behavioural development at entry to school, and of any continuing effects on such outcomes at the end of Key Stage 1 (age 7). The sample included over 3,000 children and 141 pre-school centres drawn from six different types of providers. In addition, a home sample of children who had not attended a pre-school centre was included. In order to identify the processes that might influence centre effectiveness, observational data were collected and centre managers interviewed. In-depth case studies of 12 more effective centres were used to explore and illuminate the processes, particularly in relation to pedagogy, associated with better child outcomes. A mixed method approach was adopted to simultaneously answer both confirmatory and exploratory questions, to support user engagement and provide triangulation. The paper argues that the mixed method approach supported the development of stronger research inferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13645579
Volume :
8
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Journal of Social Research Methodology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
17321488
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570500154840