When I think of Research.....

     After taking this course, I look at research from a totally different point of view.  The research process is more complicated than I originally imagined.  It involves much more than observations, surveys and data charts.  There are methods to consider, designs to choose, a process to follow, ethics, equity, evaluations and much much more. There is so much information that I found myself going in circles.
     As I began the study the research process , I began to get a little confused about how to tell the difference between qualitative and quantitative designs.  Before I could truly grasp the concept, it was time to move on to the next section which involved ethics and then analysis and how to determine whether a topic can be framed as and hypothesis or not.  I continued with my weekly assignments never really understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative. 
    As the weeks began to come to an end, I became troubled because I really wanted to understand the process.  In my frustration, I decided to step back and study the first two chapters again and to my surprise, it suddenly came clear to me.  I was so relieved because I have always wanted to know more about research and I had no idea that it involved so much interesting information.
    I think from now on, I will look at research more closely.  I will probably examine it in terms of whether it is bias or involves equity.  I can say now with confidence that if the opportunity presented itself.  I feel that I would be able to conduct a small study.

Reference:

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2^nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.