On my first day of this course I was very apprehensive as I
knew the bare minimum about research. Over the past eight weeks I have learned
about ethics and equity in research, different types of research, and how to
read a research paper.
I have always looked at conducting research as a daunting
task as it needs to be very precise. I have found this to be true as I have
taken this course, but the task is no longer as daunting to me. The knowledge I
have gained from this course has eased my anxieties and shown broken down the
pieces of research for me in a way that I understand.
Throughout this course we have conducted three research
simulations. As I created these designs based upon my research topic I have
learned about the ways in which one needs to plan, design, and conduct
research. Research needs to begin with a general idea in mind and from there
one needs to plan out the variables, possibly write out a hypothesis, define
who or what will be studied etc.
The biggest challenge I faced during this course was
understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. I
was able to understand what the textbook said, but when I applied it to my
research I had a difficult time figuring out how it applied. Once I broke it
down step by step I was able to complete my research simulations.
As a result of this course I have grown as an early
childhood professional. As I receive research articles at work I am able to
read them without getting confused with the “big words” and understanding what
the research means to my work in the early childhood field.
