When I Think of Research...

This course has taken me on quite a bit of a journey.  In the beginning, learning how to evaluate research articles was a huge help not only for this course, but for future courses.  At first glance, the number of pages seems overwhelming, but by following the pattern of research articles and knowing what to skip was, and will be, extremely helpful in reading and writing research papers.  Through my career, I have been exposed to research, however, not to the extent that this course has done.  Defining and experimenting with the types of research approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method), has made me think through the nature of research studies and just made me more aware of vocabulary used in such studies.  What lessons have I learned about planning, designing, and conducting research?  EVERYTHING!  I didn't realize how much preparation goes into such studies, issues that can arise with participants, and the whole idea of ethics and ethic committees.  I have also learned that children, just like adult participants, should be given just as much respect throughout the entire research study, even when their parents sign the consent to participate.  I guess from working with children and building that positive rapport, I looked at it as...children love the attention and when finished with the study move on to what makes them happy. 

There were many challenges, and still are!  Trying to figure out a research question that is narrowed and focused and trying to keep the vocabulary straight and apply it to my own application papers are two challenges I can think of.  Rereading the information and searching on the internet for articles that may have clarified things easier were two strategies that I used.  Also reflecting on Dr. Myer's comments and through colleague discussions, helped me to see things in a different perspective.  Early childhood professionals have a high standard to uphold in their everyday careers, especially those doing research on young children.  A lot of time and effort goes into making sure that research is being done for a purpose, respectfully, and in a manner that is valid.  I can see myself paying closer attention to reading research studies, after taking this course.