When I Think of Research...

 

 

 

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