A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Where Is the Mixing? : Trends in Early Childhood Education and Care Research in the Nordic Countries (2023)

Harju-Luukkainen, H., Itkonen, T., & Garvis, S. (2023). Where Is the Mixing? : Trends in Early Childhood Education and Care Research in the Nordic Countries. In A. Keary, J. Scull, S. Garvis, & L. Walsh (Eds.), Decisions and Dilemmas of Research Methods in Early Childhood Education (pp. 97-111). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003126577-10

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Harju-Luukkainen, Heidi; Itkonen, Tiina; Garvis, Susanne

Parent publication: Decisions and Dilemmas of Research Methods in Early Childhood Education

Parent publication editors: Keary, Anne; Scull, Janet; Garvis, Susanne; Walsh, Lucas

ISBN: 978-0-367-64851-0

eISBN: 978-1-003-12657-7

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 11/05/2022

Pages range: 97-111

Number of pages in the book: 212

Publisher: Routledge

Place of Publication: Abingdon

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003126577-10

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92589

Abstract

Mixed methods have become a very popular method in many fields of research. In this chapter, we will reflect on the mixed methods approach as one of the main research paradigms, and how it is implemented across the Nordic countries in the field of early childhood education (ECE). We will share our insights based on a blend of research methods and reflective practice. Our research question we reflect upon is: How much are mixed methods used in ECE research in the Nordic countries? In order to answer this, recent publications from two Nordic journals (2018–2020) are explored with the help of systematic content analysis. This is done in order to reveal the focus areas of published research as well as to identify possible gaps. According to the results, the focus of the published journal articles was on qualitative research methods. Only 4 papers out of 47 used a mixed methods design. In our reflections, we raise questions about the research methods taught in teacher education programmes as well as in the Ph.D. programmes.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; educational science; methodology; research methods; qualitative research; quantitative research; literature surveys

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3