When I Think of Research...

Week 8 Blog Assignment

As we conclude our studies of research, take time to reflect on the experience:

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
• What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
• What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
• What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

This has been an intense course designed to increase our ability to use research as a tool, to examine the articles based on specific criteria, understand ethical issues in early childhood research, become a designer of research, understand quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, we learned how to mixed methodologies to better serve our research designs, and finally how to move beyond equity to find justice and fairness in research.  

The nature of doing research is intense and very rewarding.  I have learned how to categorize data and make sense of it all through examining summaries and relevant information.

When planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood, it is necessary to consider biases and be ethical in all decisions for conception to conclusion.  This will affect the data and research study on so many levels.

A challenge I encountered throughout this process is determining which triangulation to use to determine validity in my simulation.  In was attracted to theory triangulation due to its multiple perspectives to interpret a single set of data, however I eventually decided on utilizing data triangulation for my study.  For my study, I would be collected mutilple  sources of data through direct observations, surveys, interviews and interactions, so this triangulation eventually won over (with the guidance of Dr. Terry).

My perceptions of early childhood professionals have been modified as a result of this course.  I respect anyone who dives into research for the betterment of young children.  The process is daunting, but so rewarding.  

Thank you to all of my colleagues for your guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this intense course!