Approaches to Research in Child and Youth Care

Book excerpt: Approaches to Research in Child and Youth Care in Canada is a fundamental text for child and youth care programs with the aim of making research methods more approachable to students. Priscilla Bengo breaks down foundational research methods in an accessible way and explores the roles of objectivity and logic in sound decision making in child and youth care practices. Opening with the core functions of scientific inquiry in the field, Bengo introduces students to the ethical, political, and cultural contexts of child and youth care research and provides the tools to become a culturally competent researcher. Students will gain a thorough understanding of problem formulation, measurement, and data collection methods for large data sources, and how to work with both qualitative and quantitative data. Grounded with practical examples and exercises throughout, Approaches to Research in Child and Youth Care in Canada is a must-read for research methods courses in child and youth care programs that will build integral research skills for students in child and youth care, social work, and the programs focused on the helping professions.