Friday, June 27, 2014

                In taking this course I have had several insights. I have become aware of the propensity to approach research in a male, Euro-centric, elitist perspective in the past. Before the course I would’ve considered many researchers as being more open to different possibilities and less stereotypical due to the nature of their profession but this is not the case. It was very informative to see the different techniques and styles of research. The sections on Qualitative and Quantitative were very helpful. My ideas on the nature of doing research have changed. The research design process is more extensive then I had previously considered. There are many considerations to take into account when planning research, what are the risks involved, is it an ethical project, do you have the proper permissions from guardians and participants? Design wise you must consider what type of process you will use, quasi-experimental, mixed method etc. Extraneous variables must be taken into account and issues of validity dealt with. If a project is not well thought out, designed and planned for the data will be affected and may not be viable. I did find the design and simulation process extremely challenging, there is so much to consider. I met these challenges as best as I could by reviewing the factors multiple times and working to understand them and how they affect the outcome of research and the well being of participants. As an early childhood professional I realize the value of research to our field. I am more aware of the ethical and design concerns that researcher’s face and what a delicate balance the process is.

4 comments:

  1. Hello Jennifer,

    I would definitely agree that I have a greater appreciation for researchers. Each week was full of new discoveries of vocabulary and challenges to design our own research design. I also agree that it is a very thought-provoking process and there is a lot that has to be taken into consideration, such as, consent/ethical concerns.

    Thanks for your thoughts and support,
    Tierra Jackson

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  2. I agree with the ethical issue that researchers in the early childhood field have to face. Without validity checks information provided on our field could be contradictory. So as amateur researchers the overwhelming details can lead in different directions. These directions can frustrate one in constructing a useful study that meets all the requirements of a valid research study.

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  3. Jennifer,
    I do believe we all had an eye-opening experience during this course. I did not realize how extensive and intensive research can be. Thank you for reminding me of the ethical and validity concerns that also accompany research design. I had forgotten about them and their importance. After this course, do you foresee yourself doing a formal research study in the future? Thank you for your support and hopefully we will continue to have more classes together!
    Myra

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  4. Hi Myra, I do not know about a formal research study. It's almost a full time job on it's own! Who knows?

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