Problem
Scenario
Mala is a diploma-qualified educator and room leader with children aged 3 to 5 years in a standalone, community-run preschool in a regional area. The population of the local community is a combination of Aboriginal and European heritage. The preschool is open in school term time only, opening to children and families at 8 am and closing at 4 pm. There are three classrooms. In each room the 3-4 year olds come for Monday and Tuesday, then the 4-5 year olds come for Wednesday-Friday each week, during term time.
Mala has been observing the children's dramatic play in term one, and in term two she wants to do some research to understand more about the roles the children take during their dramatic play inside. There is a dramatic play area in her classroom that she has set up to resemble a home - with a kitchen, dining area, and baby's bedroom.
The research question is What roles do the children use in the dramatic play and what are the consequences of these role.
A. What methodology could Mala use to guide her study? What features of the research question show that it matches the suggested methodology?
a. Think about what sort of information Mala would be trying to gather, and what methodology would best suit this. Then, think about how the type of research question that you suggest matches the methodology.
B. Using the question you have suggested above, what sampling strategy would be appropriate? What groups of people would you recruit to take part, and why?
a. Think about how the sampling strategy connects to your chosen methodology and type of research question.
b. Consult Module 5 readings.
C. How will you involve children in the research you are suggesting? Explain your rationale for this choice