Early Childhood Research
When I Think of Research...
This Building Research Competency course has heightened
my sense of awareness about why we do research and the various research designs
that can be utilized in the process. I have often heard the phrase “the research
says…” and have taken the research for granted without considering what methods
were used or if the research process followed the ethical guidelines? I have
discovered that there are many components involved in the research design and
some researchers have taken advantage of impoverished people by not respecting their
cultural beliefs, economic station in life, and their health and welfare. Ethics should be the driving force of all
research and the researcher must make sure that the research displays fairness
and justice.
My ideas have changed regarding doing research because
before I took this course, I was more focused on conducting research from my
point of view including having the power over the research and the
participants. After being enrolled in
this course my focus has changed because now I am more inclusive of all
participants that are involved in the study which includes the sharing of power
and I have a better understanding of the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
forms of research design. The qualitative
method focuses on human behavior, beliefs, and emotions which involve selecting
an open-ended question to be researched and using various sampling methods to answer
information that has not been predetermined (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, &
Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). Quantitative
research involves collecting empirical data to prove a hypothesis or explain social
phenomena (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). The quantitative method also explores the relationship
between variables. Sometimes researchers
have the desire to combine research data (quantitative and qualitative) which
results in a mixed methods research design (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, &
Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).
I now realize how important research is to improving
learning opportunities in the early childhood field and aiding to formulate
effective curriculum because of the validation involving the research
process. Teachers need to be informed
about what works in the classroom and research can provide the solutions to questions
involving how children learn best. The
most challenging aspect for me regarding the research process is getting
started and selecting a research topic and question. I really had to ponder what research topic
that I was passionate about because I believe that people perform best when
they are passionate about a certain platform.
I have enjoyed the camaraderie and support of my colleagues doing this
course and the insightful comments. Some
of my views have changed for the better because I opened up to others opinions
which help me grow professionally and philosophically and I am grateful.
References
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing
early childhood research:
International
perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-
Hill
