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!!!
Good luck to you on your journey in Early Childhood Studies!
ReplyDeleteI too expanded my thinking about research - realizing that many of us do research every day! Through anecdotal notes, observations, assessments, parent meetings and more - we paint a research picture of the children and families in our class in order to better meet their needs! Using our research findings, we alter our teaching strategies, change our schedule or classroom environment, or seek out new materials. Often times the children join us as researchers - exploring new ideas together.
When I think of it in these terms, it isn't as intimidating as it once was.