When I Think of Research...

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

I have gained many new insights about research but becoming aware of research terminology has been the most helpful.  In the past I would skim over research/studies and not exactly have a clear understanding of it due to the complexity of the vocabulary.  Each week I was able to learn of a new concept and the vocabulary that went along with it, which was very helpful in being able to learn in sections.

• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

My ideas about research have changed because I have a better understanding of the process that goes along with creating a study and the importance of showing the validity of research by many processes, including the different types of triangulation.

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

I am now aware of the many steps that go into planning, designing and conducting research.  I realize now how important it is to consider the rights of the participants and because the participants in this case are children, the family is also involved at a minimum of gaining consent. 

• What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

I believe that one of the most challenging weeks of the course is when we discussed ethics (Chapter 5).  I feel that this is challenging for myself and others because no one should be causing harm to a child, but in situations where a child may be dying, to what extent do you allow research to be done to try to extend their life if it may cause harm?  Another thought with ethics, if a child is put into a condition that would not be made up, for example in the story of Genie, as researchers it is important to not cause more harm to her by trying to collect data about her.  I would have to say that I learned to read more about research studies and look at each case individually evaluate if it is ethical research.

• What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

My perceptions have changed because I am able to read a study and make my own judgements on the validity of it.  I do not read research and believe it is valid, I have a process that involves researching about it.  Some of the steps I now take are that I see who the researchers are, I check to see who the participants of the study are, what methods are used, and what the researchers use to show the validity of the study.