When I think of Research.......

1. What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

I have gained many insights from taking this course. One of the main things I learned is to how create a research topic, form it into a research question, and create a hypothesis. In the beginning, I was like I'm just using the same question for everything. I wasn't aware of the difference between the research question and the hypothesis. As I was forming my question I realized that initially the question was too broad and I learned how to narrow it down to be very specific. My research question was "How does standard learning in early childhood effects children social, cognitive, and emotional development"? My hypothesis was "Standard learning in early childhood can have an impact on a child social, cognitive, and emotional development". I learned that a hypothesis is an explanation of something observed or a prediction of something we expect. Also, I gained insights about informed consent with children and adults. I learned that when researching different cultures it is important to know who the consent must come from. In certain cultures the consent may not come from the parents but rather the leader or head of the tribe of the culture.

2. In what ways has your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?  

Ha! In the beginning I was a wreck....Let me tell you....The first two Application Assignments I was like oh boy this not going to work. This might be the first class that cause me to lose my 4.0. I started to pray and even ask people around me what they knew about research. Initially, I'm thinking research is nothing but being in science labs with goggles, lab coats, and gloves. My mind frame was presenting something on a three panel scientific board. My perception of research has changed significantly. Research doesn't necessarily have to do with science. I learned from this class that research can be used in any field. I gain knowledge of participants and how they should be chosen. Previously, I didn't even think that people used children for research. I thought that using children for research would be too much on the child. I have a better understanding of why people do research and that research can either be a good thing or bad.

3. What were some of the challenges you encountered- and in what ways did you meet them?

First off let me just say....I literally read the chapters in the textbook over and over again until things started to make sense to me. I goggled words I didn't know because not all the definitions were in the glossary in the back of the text. The textbook as well as discussion question responses really helped me in completing this class. Some of the challenges I encounter was sampling process, understanding the difference between dependent variable and independent variable, choosing which data collection source would be best for my research. The textbook, application worksheet explanations, and Dr. Todd responses helped to overcome my challenges. I looked at different examples of the variables before coming to an understanding of the difference. When I was struggling with the sampling process I think I didn't really take into consideration what exactly the sampling process consisted of. I just thought oh pick some kids out and call it a day. However, currently I know that the sampling process is very detailed.

4. What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

 As an early childhood professional I have notice how essential it is for researchers to conduct studies that will not harm, deceive, or break any confidentiality agreement. I understand now how biased researchers can harm children as well as the early childhood field. As an early childhood professional I know that my heart is into children but when conducting research I should be careful not to let my personal views interfere with results of the study. When dealing children especially for me I always want what is best for them but I learned that not all researchers in early childhood have the same mind frame as I do.

In closing, I would like thank my colleagues who took time to read my discussions. I really hope i didn't bore you with how lengthy they were. Your feedback really helped in getting a better understanding of research in early childhood. Dr. Todd thank you for your patience. I can only imagine your thoughts in helping to shape my outline. I feel more confident now to do research compared to how I felt eight weeks ago. The course textbook is definitely a book I want to always keep in my library. I had a great time reading everyone blogs and I hope that you guys share more things outside of the class.

Happy Holidays to everyone. Take these next two weeks to relax your brain from writing papers, answering discussion questions, and writing blog entries. I'm sure everyone could use this break. Until next time.....