I gained several insights about research
from taking EDUC 6163, Building Research Competency. Most importantly this week
I learned that research is all about relationships between researchers and
participants and equity and social justice should be reflected from the
beginning of a research project to the end, and include ontological and
epistemological views, preliminary decisions regarding the research design,
construction of hypothesis and/or research questions, attention to variables,
selection of participants, analysis, understanding and reporting of data, (MacNaughton, Rolfe & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).
My ideas about the nature of doing research have broadened. I now
understand that research is best theorized as a tool that aids us in answering
important questions about the field of early childhood. Because of the
willingness of researchers and participants to take part in the research
process, our valuable questions can be answered. Quality research always
includes close, ongoing teamwork between those who design the research, those
who carry it out, those who take part in it, and those for whom the findings
have an influence.
In regard to lessons about planning, designing and conducting
research in early childhood, I learned there are many possibilities to consider
when designing a research study. Researchers need to be creative in deciding
what important topic to research and how, when and where the research will take
place, who will participate, what methods of data collection will be used, and
how the data will be analyzed. There is seldom a single correct way of doing
any research project.
Challenges I encountered in my research simulation included
breaking my general topic into a number of subtopics and then trying to reflect
on the sound order in which to focus on them. At times, I found myself confused
about what my general topic was in the first place. Having choices between
quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both research methods was
exciting, but added to the confusion (or chaos) at times. In the end, I chose a
mixed method approach because I felt that I was able to use the best of both
methods to answer my question and validate my study.
As an early childhood professional, I have an incredible respect
for researchers in our field. I now have a better understanding of the
complexity of their job and appreciate the knowledge they provide us with to
support young children, their families and society as a whole.
References
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., &
Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood
research:
International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York,
NY,
McGraw-Hill
