The insights that I have gained in this class about research is that quality research is always ethical, purposeful, well designed, transparent, contextualized, credible, careful, Imaginative and equitable. Also that there are different types of research and terms such as Quantitative research which produces facts and figures, Qualitative research produces meanings and understandings, Deductive research proves or disprove a hypothesis, and Inductive research may suggest a hypothesis. I also learned there are four ways to gather data for your study 1) data triangulation: the use of a variety of data sources in a study, 2) Methodological triangulation: the use of multiple methods to study a single problem, 3) investigator triangulation: the use of several researchers, and 4) theory triangulation: the use of multiple perspectives to interpret a single set of data. And finally Equity is very important when putting together a study it state in our text that an understanding of equity involves notions of justice and fairness, it goes on to say that it moves beyond equality, as equality signals understanding of party, equivalence and making things equal, which do not necessarily equate with justice and fairness. In order to be just and fair, it is necessary to move beyond making things equal.
The ways my ideas about the nature of doing research changed when I learned more about methodological triangulation methods using three different ways to gather my data for my study help me reassure that I would get enough information to get the results I needed for my study.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did I learn was to make sure when planning make sure that the validity is the process of establishing the “truth” of the research outcomes, Methodological triangulation will be the method I will use to gather my data for my study and making sure that everything is ethical, purposeful, well designed, transparent, contextualized, credible, careful, Imaginative and equitable.
Some of the challenges I encountered—and in what ways did I meet them were, one I am dyslexic so I had to read over and over again to make sure I was understanding the reading. I also communicated with Dr. Davis making sure I was on the right task. Some of the challenges I think I will encounter with my study is parent participation.
Some of the ways my perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course is that I feel with this type of research early childhood is going to be taken more serious. The more research we have the more we will be come professionals and not baby-sitters.
Hello Alice,
ReplyDeleteI also had challenges with the readings. It took me forever to understand the book and read each chapter over and over again. I also had trouble with the research simulation because I was not sure what it was suppose to look like.
Hope you have a nice week break from classes! Enjoy the Holiday season!
Best wishes,
Abby Liedtke
I think it was very interesting to learn about the different types of research such as quantitative and qualitative. I thought that mixed methods were very interesting (combining different methods) as well. Sounds like you learned a lot. Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank all of my classmates. I have learned so much from our discussion. I have truly enjoyed this class. I am so excided to write my research paper. I pray that you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
ReplyDeleteAlice
Alice, you make a great point about early childhood professionals being perceived of as, and therefore treated as babysitters. It is a common misconception and one of the reasons that EC professionals do not earn an equitable wage. It is ridiculous that, where I work, factory workers are viewed as more valuable (because they are seen as those who directly generate a profit)than we who care for and educate children. This attitude is present in the minds of many. Thanks for your interesting posts!
ReplyDeleteThe best of the season to you as well, Alyce.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point that as early childhood educators we are in the best position to have the best interest of the child at heart and to obtain a fuller and truer picture of early childhood.
Well, we have taken one step closer.
Good luck as you continue your studies.
Bobbie