A Content Analysis of Articles in the Turkish Early Childhood Education Context

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine articles from the field of early childhood education published in Turkish academic journals. Descriptive and methodological characteristics of the articles were scrutinized along with investigation and categorization of their research topics. 822 articles from 62 journals, published between 2008 and 2018 were examined via content analysis. Findings showed that almost half the articles were designed as quantitative studies (n = 407). In complement, the three most common research methods were identified as surveys, (n = 123), experimental studies (n = 102), and correlational studies (n = 96). Accordingly, the most widespread choice of sample group was children (35.6%). Additionally, 43.5% of the articles did not clarify their sampling methods. Furthermore, the most studied research topics included educational subjects (n = 424). Amongst the sub-categories of educational research, special education, and inclusion were the most prevalent at a rate of 10.1%.