This then established the relationship between neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) and a number of children's health and developmental outcomes.9 Longitudinal
research suggested structural characteristics such as poverty and demography were mediated
through community - level social processes that influenced the functioning of families and children.10, 11 Today, however, there is still limited understanding of the modifiable community - level factors likely to benefit outcomes for young children despite socioecological frameworks suggesting there are multiple levels of influence (individual, family, community) on early child development (ECD).12, 13 Investigating these influences is thought best undertaken
through a combination of quantitative and
qualitative methods that can test these multiple influences on ECD.14, 15
Through course readings, discussion, and practical application, candidates explore: (1) different approaches in
qualitative research and epistemologies and common theoretical perspectives that undergird
qualitative inquiry, and (2) various
methods and techniques for gathering, interpreting, and making meaning of in - depth and rich information about things as they occur in their natural settings.