Researching advocacy topics requires determining what relevant theories and current research exist to support possible solutions to defined issues. Reviewing professional journals and position statements is a good place to begin.
It is essential that you are discriminating when researching materials. The Internet might be a good source of information; however information posted is often opinion, not fact. Using critical reading skills is important to sorting out information that provides credible research data done by reputable organizations that provide articles that are peer reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles are read and critiqued by experts in the associated field and revised by authors prior to publication. You can determine if the journalist peer-reviewed by reading through the front matter where ownership, purpose, and editorial practices are described.
Balancing reading also requires reviewing primary sources of information, reflecting those that are written by people actually doing research in the field and creating theories related to the problem, and those that are written by secondary sources of information. Secondary sources are articles that interpret and synthesize the work and ideas of others. Secondary sources can help lead you to understand how concepts and ideas are applied within broader context.
Adapted from: Kieff, J. E. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education: Making a difference for young children and families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
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