Chapter 10: Using Drawing as A Research Method In Early Childhood Education

Children’s drawings have a fascination that has attracted the attention of artists and scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and educators for more than a century. The accessibility and versatility of children’s drawings, both for the researcher and the participant, have made this a popular method in early childhood research. The appeal of using drawings, however, needs to be balanced by careful consideration of the purpose for which they are collected and analyzed, the methodological approach, and the research outcomes that arise from their use. Like any other research method, the use of drawings must be underpinned by theory and driven by specific research questions that inform the choice of methodology.