When
I Think of Research
What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
The insights I
have gained from taking this course is research “can make positive differences
in the lives of children” (Mac Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010,
p. 4). Qualitative research seeks to describe
or understand, while quantitative research seeks also to explain (Mac Noughton,
Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).
Longitudinal research studies a sample over time. Research should be conducted in a manner
according to procedures accepted on ethical and professional grounds so that we
can have confidence in the results. Mac
Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford (2010) stated that quality research
should be “ethical, purposeful, well-designed, transparent, contextualized,
credible, careful, imaginative, and equitable” (p. 10). In addition, I realized the importance of
recognizing research as a tool, “as with all tools, it is simply a matter of
learning how to use it” (Mac Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010, p. 7). I have also come to the understanding the
researcher is in control of the research process.
In what ways have your ideas
about the nature of doing research changed?
I formerly
thought of research as being done by scientists or being conducted only in
clinical settings. I now appreciate “that
graduate early childhood practitioners can be researchers as well as informed consumers
of the research of others” (Mac Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010,
p. 7). I have learned that research is meant
to describe what occurs without unduly influencing it. It is intended to inform policy and
professional practice and to benefit the participants, the researcher, the
profession, and society (Mac Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford,
2010).
What lessons about planning, designing, and
conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I
have learned there are a lot of possible research designs. The major types were quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed-methods. There
were overall considerations to research such as those mentioned above (p.
10). Also research had to be planned so
as to be “do-able”. Also, self-reflexivity
principles (Mac Noughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010, p. 187) required
me to look back on my design to analyze and modify it.
What were some of the challenges you
encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? During the course I would
have an idea on what to research then I would get bogged down in the many
design configurations and their details.
It would take me awhile to wade through multiple details to decide how
to go about doing what I had in mind. I
sought input from the literature, the professor, or my colleagues in the
class. There were so many more
considerations that just having a few research questions pop into my mind. It was like having an idea for a vacation
destination then having to complete months of detailed planning to actually
carry out the trip.
What are some of the ways your perceptions
of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this
course?
An early
childhood professional must be an ethical and equitable (Mac Noughton, Rolfe,
& Siraj-Blatchford, 2010) research-based practitioner. We are in a position to make a positive
impact in the lives of children through implementing quality research-based practices
and principles. Additionally, I was
provided information on what constitutes quality research and how to determine
what is reliable and valid. Self-reflexivity must be practiced not only to
analyze one’s own research and that of others, but to reflect on all of one’s
professional endeavors. Metacognitive
activity similar to the weekly reflections assigned in the course is necessary
to analyze, revise, and implement research or other professional activities.
I would like to thank Dr. Myers and
my peers for the support that has been provided to me throughout this course.
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.
