Final Blog!!!

I must start by saying that this class sounded quite scary when I saw the title of it! I, as well as many of you, am very use to conducting research for research papers through online study; but never have I had the experience of learning how those researchers who conducted study actually did it! This course has taught me that it is a quite rigorous procedure of performing a study. To start it must be something that is important to the field of study in which one works. For example, most people who conduct research on early childhood are those people who are already a part of the field. Research is good in many ways and one of the most important aspects of it is that it can make a child's life that much more positive; but this good aspect doesn't come without a price!

The process of performing a study is very demanding! Researchers must keep ethical issues in mind at all times. In most early childhood studies children are involved, so the researcher must obtain parental consent. Researchers must also be sure to not let their own personal views get in the way of their research. I learned that validity is a very important portion of research work as well. Information presented should be reliable and trustworthy; and that triangulation is a great method to help ensure validity in research.

This class has taught me about the three kinds of research which is quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. I learned several aspects of what makes certain research be one of the three. Overall I have learned a whole lot about research! This class has actually taught me to respect the work of research more now that I know the rigorous steps involved so that they (researchers) can present their information to the public (which is us)! This research class has also helped to prep me. If I ever decide to get my doctorate, I now know the steps needed through becoming a researcher and performing a study; which will in essence help me to earn a doctorate degree! This class has been very much so detailed, informative, and a great learning experience! I thank Walden University for the opportunity!