Research

When I Think of Research...

What insights have I gained about research from taking this course?I have gained several insights about research from taking this course. I was introduced to processes which include: steps to follow that will generate research that is informative, ethical and meaningful, selecting a topic, search and review the literate, formulate a specific research issue/question, design the research, collect data/information, process/analyze data, draw conclusions, write research reports.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?This class has helped me to learn how to read research correctly. In order to make the research reliable, it is important to include triangulation which helps the researchers to look at the data from different types of research. The four types of triangulation are: data, methodological, investigator, and theory. Prior to this course, I paid no attention the many considerations researchers have to make at the planning stage that if overlooked will have an impact on the results of the study; I also learned that researchers need to self-examine their own personal views and biases and ensure that they don’t impact the results of the study as well as remain open to whatever the study may present them with. 

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

When planning research, it is important to take time to carefully design your research. Through carefully designed research, you can ensure that your research provides you with the data that allows you to achieve what you have set out to achieve (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  I learned that planning, designing and conducting data must be done ethically because this will add to the quality of the research. The design involves the process of refining the topic, and how the research will be done, considering issues related to time (when, where, and who), and choosing the participants. Selecting a study topic that is specific and focused on answering a specific question, selecting a research method that is suitable for the study depending on its purpose, selecting appropriate methods of data collection and analysis, selecting study participants and taking measures to ensure that the study is ethical, valid and equitable.

What were some of the challenges I encountered and what ways did I meet them?
This is my first real experience doing research so one of the main challenges I faced during this course was learning the new terminology and understanding how to apply the concepts I learned to the research process. I relied on the information in the text, discussions and guidance from my instructor. The information, I read from the resources, the discussion boards, and feedback from my instructor helped me to overcome these challenges.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as result of this course?As an early childhood professional, I have learned from this course that it is my responsibility to protect, educate, and help children and their families to overcome obstacles that will interfere with their human rights. Having learned about the research process, I have a deeper appreciation for the work of early childhood researchers. I have an increased knowledge about how to conduct research and how to dissect what I am reading when considering research. If given the option to take a research course I probably would not have done so and would not have had the opportunity to learn the information I have gained these past eight weeks.

Thanks to a supportive team of colleagues and a caring instructor it was possible to go through. All the best to everyone in future endeavors!! Thanks again everyone.