WHEN I THINK OF RESEARCH.....

Insights Gained Through This Course:

Throughout this course I have gained insights about research with regards to ethical concerns in early childhood research, useful strategies used to increase validity within a research study, and specific research variables. As stated in “Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspectives on Theory & Practice” ethical concerns that may arise in early childhood research include obtaining informed consent, deception, confidentiality/privacy, and cultural issues. Validity as it applies to research is defined as a matter of being able to offer as sound a representation of the field of study as the research methods allow. Validity is established through the use of triangulation including (1) data triangulation- the use of a variety of data sources in a study (2) methodological triangulation- the use of multiple methods to study a single problem (3) investigator triangulation- the use of several researchers (4) theory triangulation- the use of multiple perspectives to interpret a single set of data (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). A variable is interpreted as something subjected to variation. Within research many variables exists including (1) dependant variable-a variable that changes the result of some influence (2) independent variable- a variable that affects change (3) extraneous variables- variables that affect change but are not the main focus in a research study (Lepuschitz, 2012).

Changes in Personal Ideas Regarding Research:

Through this course my personal ideas regarding the nature of doing research has changed as a result of an increase in knowledge of the overall research process. Prior to the start of this course, I assumed research studies were typically conducted through direct observations of behaviors or procedures. With this in mind, the research process appeared to be very formal through structured procedural methods. The information learned within this course has altered my assumption and opinions regarding research studies. I have learned that a research study can take various forms such as direct observations, interviews, or combination of the two. Research studies involving human participants are typically conducted in a familiar environment to the individuals, providing the opportunity to observe natural behavior eliminating rigorous structure.

Lessons Learned Regarding Planning, Designing, and Conducting Research:

Throughout this course I have developed an understanding of essential components needed to produce significant, ethical, quality research. These qualities include selecting a topic, developing a specific research question, considering any ethical concerns that may arise, and designing the research study. The topic selected should be one of interest to the researcher and general population. Once the research topic is selected, a specific research question should be developed to address the topic selected. The research question formulated needs to be specific to enable the topic to be researched, data retrieved, and a detailed explanation provided to interested readers. Ethical concerns specifically consent, confidentiality, and privacy needs to be acknowledge and addressed when planning, designing, and conducting research. Written consent should be obtained from each participant prior to the start of a research study, and confidentiality/privacy as it applies to the study should be explained in detail to each participant. The research designed selected should be one sufficient enough to fully address and observe the research topic selected.

Challenges and Perceptions

Throughout this course I encountered challenges in understanding key research terms highlighted the course text. This challenge was conquered through the completion of “Understanding Research” charts required for each week of the course. These charts reinforced the key term and its definition, and increased my understanding of research in the Early Childhood Field. My perception of early childhood professional has positively increased. This course has increased my awareness of various positions held within the Early Childhood field and the overall contributions of these positions to children’s development, Early Childhood policies, and practices.

Thank you to my fellow classmates who have shared their personal insights regarding Early Childhood Studies. I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful and informational Blog Post. Good Luck to all in your future classes!!!

RESEARCH AROUND THE WORLD

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA):

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/majorreports.php

Current International Research Topics:

1. Strengthening the Capacity of Grandparents in Providing Care to Children Less than 8 Years Old Affected by HIV/AIDS: Created by Lydia Nyesigomue; from Uganda

2. Policies & Programs in Support of Childcare for Working Families: A Case Study of Data Sets & Current Activities in Uganda: Created by Hilda Nankunda; from Uganda

3. Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low Income Families: Created by Chalezamudzi Matola; from Malawi

4. Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care & Development: Created by Rosemary Hua; from Nigeria

5. Assessment of the Caring Practoices in Two Motherless Babies’ Homes in Abia State, Nigeria and the Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Training Program to the Staff of these Homes to Improve Nutrition of Children in their Care: Created by Olive Akomas; from Nigeria

Surprising Facts/Insights/Noteworthy Information:

**Mortality rates in Nigeria are 183 per 1000 lives births, many which are due to malaria, diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infections, vaccine preventable diseases, typhoid fever malnutrition. To address this issue, the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund developed an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness within which the “Improvement in Family and Community Practices is a Component”.

** Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a program developed by Dr. Avima Lombard and a team of early childhood educators in 1966 to assist and encourage parents to be the primary educators for their young children. Within this program paraprofessional aides visit individual’s homes to work with mothers who in turn use the provided materials as resources to work with their children. HIPPY seeks to support parents who lack sufficient confidence in effectively supporting their children, while enhancing literacy in providing necessary skills, materials, and individual support to mothers.

** Mother Child Education Foundation is a foundation founded by Aysen Ozyesin in 1993as a home based preschool education program who mission is “to make a lasting contribution to society and improve the quality of individuals’ lives through education”. This foundation provides early enrichment to children from disadvantaged environments while strengthening parenting skills. Mother Child Education Foundation aims to increase mother sensitivity to the child’s social and emotional needs while helping to support the child’s social and personal growth.