Reflection on a Resarch Simulation

Reflections on a Research Simulation

            I was very nervous thinking about taking a research class.  It had been a long time since I had done a formal research project.  I know that I have a great deal of respect for people that do research now.  Learning how to read research papers to look for supporting data for your own research helps to save time (Lepuschitz, J.K. 2011, p.3).  Going forward, I will pay special attention to research that has been done when reading articles or reviewing curriculum and resources for our Head Start program.

There are many factors that must be considered when writing a research paper.  Even before beginning a research project, research has to be completed to determine if there is support for your research topic.  Being a methodical person, it was reassuring to know that there is a process to be fulfilled before the research project can come to conclusion.

            There are several steps to consider when doing a research project.  First, a topic has to be chosen.  It should be something that stirs passion in the researcher.  Next other people’s research must be read to find support for the research paper.  Then a specific research question can be developed.  Choosing a design for the research is important as well.  Will it be quantitative, qualitative, quasi-research, or a mixed methods methodology?  Data will be collected based on the design choice. The data collected is then analyzed, conclusions are drawn and results are shared (MacNaughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., Siraj-Blatchford, I., 2010, p. 14).  Ethical issues have to be examined.  Using equity in research also helps to validate the project.  Because of the brain research done in the 1990s, we know that children can play an active role in research.  Their ideas should be valued.

Choosing a research question was one of the most challenging aspects of the simulation.  It took a while to narrow down the topic.  Finding other research about my topic was difficult as well.  Changing the words I used in my search seemed to be helpful.  Deciding on a research design also took some time.  Just when I thought I had it figured out, another factor would need to be considered.  I had to step back and look at the overall project to finally decide that a mixed methods approach would be the best.

Going forward, I will be more critical about the articles I read in early childhood.  I will more carefully examine the methodology of the overall research project.  Seeking out work from other countries will help me to gain a global perspective and perhaps, acquire ideas about possible solutions to issues in the United States.  Throughout my journey through the Master’s program, I am constantly reminded of the importance of staying current in the early childhood field.

I want to extend my gratitude to my fellow classmates.  You offered encouragement and support.  Some asked great questions of me.  In your different roles in early childhood you bring different perspectives to the concept of research.  I have enjoyed reading your personal comments and continue to wish you well as you pursue your Master’s Degree at Walden University.

References

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A Practical Guide to Reading Research Articles. Laureate Education,

            

             Inc. Baltimore, MD

MacNaughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing Early Childhood Research:

International Perspectives on Theory & Practice (2^nd ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.