WHEN I THINK OF RESEARCH

Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice

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

I have gained significant insights about research by taking this course. I have been able to critically understand what the essence and foundation of research should be like, particularly, I was able to learn various aspects of research. However, choosing a viable research topic, establishing your research resources, ethical considerations to be considered, the study of variables, research design and methodologies, the sampling process and participants, research validation, and equity in research (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). These vital aspects of research have enabled me to reflect on how a proper research is to be conducted by any researcher. A researcher cannot afford to neglect or restrain these various aspects of the research process.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

            My ideas about the nature of doing research have changed progressively after taking this necessary course. Furthermore, I used to believe that the researcher has the prime discretion of determining and managing his or her research process. I now know it is a fact, and understand that a researcher must abide by the regulations stipulated in the respective research fields. For example, in early childhood, there are ethical guidelines that must be involved by a prospective researcher (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). The concept of equity in research has changed my ideas about the nature of doing research because it is essential for scholars, examiners and investigators to move beyond equality in their explorations to equity in research. Nonetheless, so that justice and fairness in research is  established at all times.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

            I have learned important lessons in planning, designing, and conducting research in the early childhood field. In this field, planning is essential since it enables a researcher to choose the research topic and the research resources. Therefore, if a researcher does not plan his/her research, that equals planning to fail. Designing in research enables the researcher to choose the designs that she/he would incorporate in the research. A researcher may include the qualitative design, quantitative design, or the mixed approach design process. The design process determines how the research will be conducted. In conducting the research, a researcher should encircle the ethical and equity principles among other considerations.

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

            Let's say the research simulation, I encountered various challenges. These challenges were due to the expectation of being in line with the research principles. I had challenges in formulating research questions and choosing the research design method. However, under the guidance of my Dr. Kevin Dartt, resources, and further research I was able to formulate the questions and choose the mixed approach design method. The mixed approach method incorporates both the quantitative design and the qualitative design (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). I expect to have an issue with getting participants for the research and resources for the research.

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

            My perceptions of early childhood have been challenged and modified by this research. The research has accorded me an opportunity to understand the need of having studies to understand and explain the development process of infants and toddlers. These studies might lead to findings that will enable parents and caregivers to learn know how to facilitate the development of their infant children. Also, the principles of ethical research considerations and equity in research will have an impact in my dispositions and endeavors as an early childhood professional.

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.

Walden University M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

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