This module is intended to prepare students for undertaking a dissertation in the areas of childhood and education studies. The module will introduce students to key theoretical and conceptual issues in research, (e.g. ethical issues, bias, building explanations and causality). It will provide an introduction to research design, considering both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the investigation of children's lives and learning. The research procedures explored will include observational techniques, interviewing adults and children, the use of questionnaires and personal narratives/life stories. An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistics in social science research will be provided. Students will be given opportunities to address specific research questions and, working in groups, to undertake and evaluate a small-scale research project.