When I THINK of RESEARCH......

what insights have you gained about research while taking this course?

Throughout this course, I have come to understand the importance of validity, equity, reliability, privacy, consent and integrity within research and amongst researchers. According to Naughton et al., (2010) “ An understanding of equity involves notions of justice of fairness" (p.179). When we think of equity as professionals it allows us to understand the importance of the research designs influence on fairness with the field of early childhood studies. The validity of a study is a representation of how well the findings of a research study are interpreted with valid evidence, unbiased and objective reasoning/evidence. Validity within a study allows researchers, policy makers and participants to understand the true nature of  study which can help to push for changes within the field. Our integrity as researchers is where our moral values about participants and research comes into play, what we feel is just, fair and morally correct.

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

I have considered approaches such as mixed methods approach and investigator triangulation to incorporate into my research studies. Data triangulation is the ability for researchers to obtain information from many different points of view to ensure validity. Investigator triangulation could contribute to the validity of a study because it gives an analysis of similar data but from the perspective of a different researcher exploring the study. According to Naughton et al., (2010) “You can not always work with others when collecting evidence, but it is important to show that a second researcher would have analyzed the data from the field in a similar way when working with analytic categories used in the study” (p. 164). The mixed methods approach can help families, children and teachers better recognize social injustices within early childhood and partner together to push for better policies and government funding that can possibly lead to quality early childhood programs and achievement within those programs. I have also become more aware of consent and privacy when it comes to the research participants. I feel as though my ideas about research have changed in a positive way because I am more enlightened on things to do to promote justice and fairness within the field of early childhood studies regardless of race, religion, culture, socioeconomic background etc. 


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


I have learned that research designing is totally about planning. According to Naughton et al., (2010) "One needs to consider what is to be researched and how, when and where the research is to take place, who will participate, what data will be collected and how these will be analyzed" (p. 103). Researchers should be open to many options, choices and research ideas. I have also learned the importance of narrowing your study down to a very specific research topic. Lastly, I have learned the importance of determining whether or not there will be a hypothesis involved in the study and a particular type of research design. 


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

Some challenges that I encountered over the period of this course were, issues with gender equity. Men have been placed on a superior pedestal. According to Naughton et al., (2010) "while we struggle with interpretations of gender and make sense of our meanings from within the contradictions before us, I see the action research methodology as an essential tool in making, aiding and shifting our understanding, meanings and interpretations of gender" (p. 70) Professionals must work together to find meanings and promote gender fairness. 


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

This course has taught me the importance of viewing things objectively and the importance of viewing evidence and data from a less stereotypical standpoint. Research by Naughton et al., (2010) states, " Locating your own particular values, interests and beliefs that may interfere with justice and fairness in the research endeavor is an important part of research responsibility" (p. 186). I have come to understand that the safety and best interest of the children (participants) is more important that trying to "prove" a research point. I have always known that the world around us, not only from an educational standpoint revolves around dominance of white caucasian middle class males and all other indigenous groups and minorities are used within research to reduce an economic burden. 


Reference:

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.