WHEN I THINK OF RESEARCH

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
1. I acquired and practiced the skill of how to read a formal research article.
2. I learned how to narrow down a general research topic to related subtopics.
3. I learned how to identify valid research articles.
4. I learned the code of ethics involved in doing research.
5.  
• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

I now know  the importance of the ethical issues that must be considered before doing research. I now know that specific guidelines to which all researchers are supposed to adhere to regardless of their personal values and beliefs.

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

That is a systematic process that begins with a general topic that must be narrowed down to a specific task. The process of designing must be thought about carefully and crated to fit the topic at hand. Conducting research is a process that must be of an equal power between the researcher and participant.

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

The terminology was the greatest challenge. The chart given to us by the instructor was a helpful tool in learning the terminology. Ethical concerns and the way to address them in regard to technology use in the early childhood classroom was a challenge. I read valid research that addressed these concerns and how they could be addressed.

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

I now know and understand the importance of why an early childhood professional must be a consumer of reliable and valid research.