Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
6EMB008Research Methods in Education3+0+03305.10.2026
Course Details
Language of Instruction Turkish
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Pre-School Teaching
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Compulsory
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The general aim of this course is for prospective teachers to learn the fundamental concepts of research methods, research processes, and data collection and analysis techniques; to gain a scientific perspective in the field of early childhood education; and to develop skills in assessing children ` s development, improving educational programs, and contributing to the field by applying these methods. Furthermore, the course aims to enable prospective teachers to gain competence in identifying research problems, conducting literature reviews, preparing research plans, and reporting findings.
Course Content Research methods constitute not only the foundation of scientific inquiry but also an effective tool for understanding and assessing child development and improving educational processes within the field of early childhood education. This course aims to equip you with a scientific perspective on early childhood education by introducing you to the fundamental concepts, processes, and applications of research methods.
Research methodology encompasses various essential skills, such as problem-solving, data collection, analysis, and the interpretation of results. These processes will serve as a guide for you not only in academic endeavors but also in your daily life and professional practice. Consequently, throughout this 12-week course, you will acquire theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience by applying that knowledge.
Each weekly session will last three hours and will incorporate applied activities, group discussions, and work on sample research projects alongside theoretical instruction. Students will be responsible for completing theoretical readings and research, while class time will be dedicated to discussing and reinforcing this material. To derive the maximum benefit from this course, please attend every session, complete your readings on schedule, and participate actively in practical activities. Remember, mastering research methods will provide you with a significant advantage—not only in your academic studies but also in your professional career.
Course Methods and Techniques
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Asist Prof.Dr. Büşra Bilir Çevik busra.bilir@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Scientific Research Methods o Author: Prof. Dr. Şener Büyüköztürk o Publisher: Pegem Akademi o Description: Contains detailed information on the introduction to research methods, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data collection and analysis processes.
Research Methods in Social Sciences o Author: Prof. Dr. Ali Balcı o Publisher: Pegem Akademi o Description: Explains research methods used in the social sciences with examples. It offers content applicable to preschool education as well.
Research Methods in Early Childhood Education o Authors: Prof. Dr. Ayla Oktay, Prof. Dr. Özgül Polat o Publisher: Pegem Akademi o Description: Explains research methods used in early childhood education with examples. Contains practical information for prospective teachers.
Ethics and Plagiarism in Scientific Research o Author: Prof. Dr. İnayet Aydın o Publisher: Pegem Akademi o Description: Provides information on research ethics, avoiding plagiarism, and ethical principles.
Examples of Research in Early Childhood Education o Author: Prof. Dr. Gelengül Haktanır o Publisher: Anı Yayıncılık o Description: Contains examples of research conducted in early childhood education. Offers practical ideas to students.


Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 40
Assignment 1 % 20
Final examination 1 % 40
Total
3
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 14 1 14
Mid-terms 7 1 7
Final examination 14 2 28
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 3 91

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Knows the fundamental concepts of research methods (research, hypothesis, population, sample, data, analysis, etc.).
2 2. Understands the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods and explains the applications of each method in preschool education.
3 Carries out the processes of identifying a research problem and formulating a research question.
4 It analyzes existing information by conducting a literature review and identifies research gaps.
5 Knows data collection methods (surveys, observation, interviews, document analysis, etc.) and selects and applies the appropriate method.
6 Interprets data using basic data analysis techniques (quantitative and qualitative).
7 Knows the principles of research ethics and plans research in preschool education in accordance with ethical guidelines.
8 Knows the principles of research ethics and plans research in preschool education in accordance with ethical guidelines.
9 Analyzes examples of research that can be conducted in preschool education and plans their own research project.
10 Designs and implements a research project through group work and presents the results to the class.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Course Description
2 Introduction to Scientific Research
3 Types of Research
4 Types of Research
5 Types of Qualitative Research
6 Research Process and Ethics
7 Problem Definition
8 Midterm
9 Library • To review existing information related to the research topic and identify research gaps.
10 Literature and Variables
11 Universe and Sampling
12 Measurement, Validity, and Reliability
13 Data Collection Tools
14 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Examples
15 Reporting and General Evaluation

 
Sustainable Development Goals
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14
C1 2 5 3 1 3
C2 1 3 5 1 4 2 3
C3 1 4 5 4 1 3 2
C4 1 1 5 4 3 3 5 2
C5 2 4 3 2 4 2 4 1 1 2 1 2
C6 3 3 1 5 3 4 1 2 1 1
C7 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 1 5
C8 3 3 3 3 1 3 5 3
C9 2 2 4 1 1 5 1 5 1 1 3 1 3 2
C10 1 2 2 1 1 4 3 2 5 3 2 5 3 3

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant