When I Think of Research...

Coming into this course I was nervous and felt very overwhelmed.  But as I worked my way through the terms, designs, ethics, and other components of the research process I feel I have developed a better understanding of how the research process works.  While the process can still be overwhelming I have a better understanding of what a researcher needs to consider when designing a research study and/or project. 

Beginning of this course

One of the most important aspects of research that I learned is the researcher must ensure the project is ethical.  I feel this is so important as if a project is unethical it will do more harm to the field than good.   I also found it important as a researcher that the design of the research project is very crucial.  Designing the project correctly will ensure the project is valid.    While I thought research was either quantitative or qualitative I really enjoyed learning about the mixed methods approach to research.  This was a research design that I was not familiar with. I can really see the benefits of such research as it would lend itself to obtain much information on a topic. 

The pieces are coming in place...

The challenge I came across during the simulation process was being able narrow down my research topic into a manageable project.  I feel this was a challenge because I felt there was so much I want to know when it came to my topic of resiliency.  I found it a bit difficult to narrow the topic down as I felt I was leaving out important information to learn about.   But going through the process I was able to refine my questions to the various designs.  This was insightful as I learned by doing various research projects I could still learn what I wanted about my topic.

 

Hmm...still not sure what to do...

I feel that completing this course I have gained more knowledge about the research process and the professionals that work in the field of early childhood education.  I feel research is very important to the field.  I also feel that those that work in the field especially with research are truly vested in the profession as they are wanting to gather the information about various components and aspects of the field.  The results of their work provides the practitioners, educators, and stakeholders with the best knowledge and understanding of how and why we do what we do with children and families. This in turn benefits children, and the families.


At the end of this course...I did it!