When I Think of Research....

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

Throughout this course, I have learned a great deal about early childhood research, but probably the greatest thing I learned was that I can be one of those professionals that conduct research also. I have gained the insight and knowledge to begin researching topics that are important to me in the field. I have gained a new respect for professionals that devote time and energy to researching topics within this profession.

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

Before this course, if someone would have said to me that I could become a researcher in the early childhood field, I would have said they were crazy. I had no idea what it meant to be an early childhood researcher and had no idea where to start. However, after completing this course and completing a research simulation, I feel more confident about doing research and feel that I now have a starting point. The activities completed as well as the course textbook will be great resources for the future.

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

I learned many things about research throughout this course. When planning for research, there are numerous things to consider. First, you must consider the ethics in research by thinking about the participants that will be affected by your research. You need to get informed consent from the participants, think about confidentiality and privacy, and also consider the risk/benefit equation. Second, I learned how to develop a research question, identify variables, and decide on data collection methods. When designing research, I learned several methods that can be used. There is quantitative, qualitative, and the mixed method approach. It is important to consider the type of data collection needed when choosing a method for research.  The planning and designing pieces are nearly complete, and the conducting of research would be the next step.

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

The biggest challenge was deciding on the research topic and turning it into a research question and hypothesis. I wanted to make sure that my ideas on what I wanted to know more about in the field could be something that I could complete a research simulation on. Once I thought about it and wrote a few ideas on paper, I was able to decide on a good topic and create a research question.

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

After this course, I value research more. Now, I know what goes into a research project and all the things that have to be considered before beginning to research. I also value the professionals that completed the research as well. When reading an article on an early childhood topic, I will slow down and take time to consider the people who completed the research. I guess you can say I have a new found interest in conducting research and a new respect for those professionals who do it.

Thanks to all of my colleagues who collaborated with me in another interesting course. Your weekly discussion posts, responses, blog posts, and blog responses have again enriched my understanding and knowledge in the course. I wish you all the best as you continue your journey to completing a master’s degree!