A Qualitative Analysis of the Methods and Results of Academic Research on Philosophy for Children in Iran

The aim of the qualitative meta-analysis research as well as review studies is to describe، summarize، and critically evaluate the research done on a subject from one or more viewpoints، the results of which are introducing the studies carried out on a topic as well as preventing other researchers from further duplications. Moreover، by portraying the shortcomings and virtues of the studies done in a certain field، such research opens new horizons for accomplishment of genuine studies. Adopting a review and qualitative meta-analysis approach، the present study attempted to critically scrutinize the method and results sections of academic studies (i. e. theses and dissertations) done on philosophy for children (P4C) in Iran. Hence، by examining the databases of different universities in Iran، 21 studies were identified and their authors and their majors were categorized. Afterwards، the topics of the studies were classified and their objectives as well as structure of each of the chapters were examined. Additionally considering their method of research، the sections related to the summary of the results of some of these studies were evaluated. The findings of the present study indicated that most of the research done in the field suffer from serious flaws including lack of systematic research methods، deficiency in the literature reviews، insufficiency in referring to the previous research، disregarding mechanics of writing، paying no attention to the results of the similar research done in the field، and inadequacy of the discussions and conclusions.. The present study، also aimed to point to different intact aspects of P4C in Iran.