When I Think of Research....

 

 

One of the insights that I gained is that selecting topic is a very important step in the research process. One must choose a topic that is of interest. I think that I was so leery about the research process because I often felt like I was being  forced to conduct research on topics that were given to me. Being able to actually choose my own topic helped my the process easier. Another insight that I gained is about experimental designs. I learned that experimental designs will typically have two groups. There is a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group receives the independent variable or the treatment. The control group does not receive the treatment. Like most things in life, the research process presents many challenges that we must be willing to overcome. One of the many challenges in conducting early childhood research is being sure to protect the rights of children and their families. We never want to do anything to jeopardize the safety of young children.

 

 

Eight weeks ago, I was a nervous wreck about starting this class. I had not had the best experiences with research in the past. I got afraid just from hearing the word. However, my whole attitude about research has changed. The process was broken down in a way that I was better able to understand the necessary steps. I also realized that many of my colleagues felt the same way that I did. This helped me overcome my fear because I knew that I was not alone. Each week, we were introduced to a new step in the research process. It was broken down in a w ay that was easier for me to understand. I now know that I have the necessary tools and information to be able to conduct research. I am grateful to Dr. Pickens and my colleagues for helping me be able to overcome my fear, one week at a time.

 

One of the challenges that I faced in the class was the fact that some unexpected things occurred in my personal life. I got a little behind. I also have a very stressful life at times. I just had to realize that we all go through things and face challenges in life. I decided to keep pushing forward and not give up.  I often wondered how I would have the time to conduct the research. I know that I have to learn how to use my time more wisely.  My research topic question was if placing children diagnosed with ASD in structured environments would improve their ability to talk. I wondered if I would have a large enough study group. 

 

I did not really consider myself to be an early childhood professional when I first started this program because I was not working in the field. I even changed my mind about which aspect of the field I wanted to engage in. I realized that I wanted to be an early childhood advocate, especially for those children and families living with disabilities. One day it hit me that I was already an advocate. As a result of this course, I have learned that we are all researchers whether we know it or not. We are always trying to provide answers to the many questions that exist. As early childhood professionals, it is our responsibility to conduct research in an effort to improve the lives of young children and their families.