Some insights I have gained about research from taking this course:

• ·   Identifying and defining key components of research
• ·         Applying strategies
• ·         Applying a research design and what it consist of
• ·         Learning to use different approaches of methods

I thought I knew everything I needed to know about research, I was so wrong. Taking this course has opened my eyes to so much I was not taught in undergrad. I have benefited from understanding, evaluating and using research more effectively. I am now able to apply appropriate methods in the early childhood field. I view research more different now.

I have learned how to apply a quantitative design to a hypothesis research and evaluate implications. I have learned how to evaluate and apply validity. Research has to be backed up with valid data. Valid data comes from additional legit resources and data collected form your resources. I have been able to identify ethical issues at my center and look at policies on how we handle them and also including ethical issues in research in light of involving children with ethical considerations.

What I learned about design is that it is a matter of options and choices. The design depends on the focus of the research. I have learned first to modify and clarify the topic for a specific focus. The types of research that we use is either experimental or non-experimental. At this points as a researcher I have to control the situation and eventually formulate a hypothesis. I ended up using the mixed methods and qualitative studies in my designed researched.

Some of the challenges I have encountered I the course were applying key terms to my research and analyzing them. Another challenge I had to deal with was not adding in my personal biases to construct my research. I know a lot through experiences but I had to make sure my personal values and beliefs did not take lead or take over in my research.

My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified in this course as a result of experience the concepts in conducting my research. It has been very interesting because I had to make sure nothing was left out of my outline. I never thought about equity in my research, I never thought about dealing with potential ethical concerns in my research. This course has opened up my eyes to view research at every angle using different strategies and considering all methods. I will never look at research the same again. It is more than just facts.