When I Think of Research...

During this course, I have learned many things; I have gained new insight on research designs, data methods, and a variety of information to help me succeed in this course. I have learned how to recognize independent and dependent variables. I have never heard of extraneous variables; however, I now know its purpose. I know how it affects the outcome of a research study. My favorite insight I have gained includes learning about triangulation in a research study. Methodological and investigator triangulation is my favorite forms of triangulation. These two components were very important in my research simulation.

My ideas concerning research have changed dramatically. When I first began this course, I felt overwhelmed and inadequate. I did not understand how to conduct a research simulation. As the course continued, I began to realize how to properly conduct a research study. I found new resources to help me along the way and I learned how to collect data. I learned how to properly interview children; I have learned how to meet the ethical needs of all individuals. Now that I am nearing the end of this course, I feel that I am more than capable of conducting a research study. Although I may not possess the skills needed to conduct a research study on my own, I know I could be a great asset to a research team. I have always known that it takes a lot of time and hard work to create a research question, develop a hypothesis, and find participants to volunteer for a research study. I no longer feel overwhelmed or inadequate; now, I am empowered from the things I have learned in this course.

When planning a research study, one must first choose a topic, develop a research question, develop a hypothesis if needed, choose a research design, and become knowledgeable regarding ethics and equity in research. According to Naughton et. al. (2010), “One should consider what is to be researched, how, when, and where the study will take place, who will participate, what data will he or she collect, and how it will be analyzed.” When designing a research study, one must choose an appropriate design for the study, whether one chooses experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed method approach. The design process balances original ideas, thoughts, questions, and broad topics (2010). When conducting research in early childhood, one must always consider what participants to choose, if he or she will use children in the study, and understand their rights. One must decide whether to conduct interviews or direct observations, or use questionnaires to collect data. In each of these areas, one must plan, be organized, be understanding, use good judgment, and always respect ethical concerns.

Some challenges I encountered were timing issues, collecting data, and how to properly select participants. I over came these challenges by rerouting the times in which I would conduct an interview or observation. I asked for help in choosing participants for my research.

As an early childhood professional, I have encountered many things. I know it is my duty to love, care, nurture, and educate children. I was aware of ethics and equity in early childhood programs, but I did not realize there were so many ethical concerns in research. After attending this course, I realize that early professionals have a big job to do. We all must be aware of research and how it affects children and families. We may also have to become a researcher to find ways to teach children and educate parents on things that may affect the family. I have new respect for researchers; it is not an easy task. I have learned so many things in this course that will allow me to become a better educator.

I would like to thank all of my colleagues for supporting my efforts to succeed in this course. All of you have played a vital role in my success and each of you has provided insight to help me to become a better researcher. Thanks, Dr. Todd for fostering my growth as a researcher; you showed me how to think outside of the box. I am very grateful for your knowledge and the useful thoughts you have given me to become better in my critical thinking skills. Once again, I thank each of you and I hope to see all of you in the future.

Lah-Lah Devine

Reference

Naughton, G. M., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.