3-093 - Mixing Methods When Studying Early Education: Addressing Advantages and Tensions From Research Questions to Dissemination

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Over the last decade, mixed methods research has gained greater visibility and use within developmental psychology. Within the field of early childhood education (ECE) mixed methods research can help address complex questions about ECE access and utilization, support measure development, and examine practices and policies that have limited extant knowledge to support recommendations for the field. As the use of these integrative methodologies grows, questions arise regarding common challenges of the research process, including the development of appropriate research questions and goals, the integration of methods and findings, journal and publication guidelines, use of appropriate terminology, and optimal dissemination practices.

In this roundtable, a diverse panel of researchers and funders from university, research organization and government settings will engage participants across methodological disciplines, both those who have experience with mixed methods research and those new to the field. Panelists will identify and address common challenges and will discuss the tensions and advantages of applying multiple methods to key emerging questions in the ECE field. Participants will engage in the discussion and contribute to next steps including future potential future collaborations.

Sub Unit

• Methods, History, Theory

Moderator

• Rebekah Levine Coley, Boston College

Panelists

• Kevin Ferreira van Leer, California State University, Sacramento

• Kyle DeMeo Cook, Education Development Center

• Stephanie Michelle Curenton, Boston University

• Ivelisse Martinez-Beck, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation; Administration for Children and Families