Language investigations of children's information sources: A research agenda

When coupled with other qualitative approaches, textual analysis serves as a promising method for exploring the potential contributions of various children's information sources toward the language and vocabulary development of young children. We first identify theoretical frameworks relevant for guiding investigations that seek to understand the potential contributions of various information sources for young children. We next identify information sources that conceivably contribute to the language and vocabulary development of young children. We then explain through presentation of preliminary findings how textual analysis techniques might be applied to investigate these sources. Finally, we point to potential contextual factors worthy of consideration within these examinations. Findings from this line of research have the potential to contribute to both information practice with young children as well as information theory.