When I Think of Research...

In concluding each class, I look back over the previous weeks. Each week was packed with vital information pertaining to research. I have gained plenty of insights such as how to ensure research is actually valid. As well, as a whole new perspective when I even think about research. I realize the thought process is a horrendous part prior to and during research. Even once the topic is identified there is plenty of rough drafts, tweaking and sometimes even changes that must be made for the research project to continue and be successful. My ideas and nature of doing research has changed. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was a blank slate in the thought process but knew very little about the process. I realize now how much goes into research. It takes time to even think of a topic that can be researched, plus where, when, how, what methods will be used and who will the participants be and more. Prior to this class I never thought about the information so profoundly. I have learned that if you don’t go through and have a plan about what or how your research will be done it will make the task very difficult. Plus if the information is not planned out properly it will be confusing for the participants or anyone else reading the information. Planning and testing are top priorities for research. I had plenty of challenges throughout this course. The topic of research went well beyond what I am use to doing. Of course, I am use to standard research but this was very different. Conducting my own research assignment is something I have never had to do. I felt every subject was completely new to me and out of my realm. However, I feel my major issue was not thinking through it thoroughly enough as a researcher. I had to put on my researcher’s hat which was difficult at times for me to keep on. As well I had to ask myself plenty of “what if” questions. I feel this class goes well beyond the eight weeks and has to be something I continue to work on and may one day use again to the entirety. My perception has changed because I have a new level of respect for researchers. I now understand how much goes into the research that we read. Before I looked upon research as just an article to obtain information but never understood how much goes into the article to get the material. As well, I see what important role researchers have in the field of early childhood and in our world today.