When I Think of Research...........

The insights I have gained about research include that researchers are disciplined, passionate, and committed.  Researchers devise an intricate plan to gather information or data that will shed light on a question or hypothesis about a specific topic resulting in an advancement of what is known about that topic.  The researcher must be disciplined to research past studies related to the research topic.  He must be passionate to ensure his methods of data collection and analysis use methods such as triangulation to ensure accuracy and validity.  A researcher’s commitment to the integrity of the study involves self-reflection and continuous evaluation to ensure the study is ethical and respectful of the participants, planning for their participation to the highest degree possible and reasonable. 

My ideas and thoughts about the nature of doing research have been expanded.  The various methodologies, cultures, and thought processes that are so integral to the research process were new to me.  Although ethical issues were not new to me, applying them to research was.  Participant participation in the research process has been an enlightening concept and sheds light on diminishing power relationships and applying equity.

Planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood brought new meaning to the phrase “look at the big picture”.  The researcher must keep the entirety of the study in mind while attending to every minute detail.  Planning, designing, and conducting research interconnects every aspect of the research process from formulating a research question to ensuring the validity of data analysis.  

Some of the challenges I encountered during this course were grasping the concepts of methodology and culture and understanding the application of ethics and equity.  I met these challenges by studying the readings throughout this course and reviewing them several times, applying what I was learning to my research study, reading and trying to comprehend the viewpoints of my colleagues and professor in our discussions, and searching the web for related articles.

My perception of early childhood professionals is that of respect.  Early childhood professionals apply ethics and equity in their “everyday life” of working with children.  The lessons and guidance they provide children are based on research.  After taking this class I realize the interdependence of children, parents, early childhood professionals, and researchers of early childhood development.  Each plays a role to increase our knowledge of child development.  My perception of our field as a profession has been broadened and strengthened.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and professor for all the assistance provided to help me understand the difficult concepts associated with research.  At times we had different viewpoints; however this helped me gain a better understanding of the research process.  Thank you all very much!

Reference

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspective on Theory and Practice (2^nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Early Childhood Research from a Global Perspective

        Reviewing international research topics found on the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) and the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) websites I discovered that many of the research topics are similar to those in the United States.  Topics of research involve practices of parenting, school readiness, supporting child well-being, play and physical activity, scaffolding, language, gender roles, and diversity.  Research topics that differ from those typical to the United States involve indigenous studies that include stories, knowledge, materials, and practices as part of the research.  Other differences I noticed are that research is completed in orphanages, and there is more emphasis on the capacity of children and their ability to fully participate in all aspects of research. 

          I reviewed the (EECERA) website that includes the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal.  This journal is published four times a year.  It is a scholarly journal meant to provide support and information sharing for its partners and readers.  The website highlights the most read and the most cited articles.   The insight I gained is that we can learn much from the work being completed globally with children.  Other countries appear to be more advanced in their attitudes toward working with children, recognizing that children are much more capable than we give them credit in the United States.  Research is more focused on children participating in all aspect of research projects.  There seems to be less emphasis on children with disabilities than in the US, as many of the research projects include both children with and without disabilities; “More able children tend to model behaviour and instruct less able counterparts on aspects of the research. These findings suggest that with support young children with and without a disability can be fully engaged in the research process” (Gray, Winter, 2011).  On the other hand, many African countries appear to be less advanced than the US in regard to child care.   Many research studies in African countries focus on different aspects of support for child care centers. 

          The noteworthy information I found reviewing the different websites related to global research studies are the wealth of information that is shared and the emphasis placed on sharing.  The amount of research conducted and the knowledge gained about child development and the capacity of children beginning at birth is awesome!  It is very encouraging that researchers follow a code of ethics.  Also encouraging is that children are viewed with such respect and that as a global community we are searching for ways to understand the full capacity of children as contributing members of their community.

         

References

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php 

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). Retrieved from http://www.eecera.org/

Gray, C., Winter, E. (2011).  Hearing voices: participatory research with preschool children with and without disabilities [Abstract]. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, v. 19, 3. Retrieved from http://www.eecera.org/