The field of Early Childhood research is new to me. The code of ethics and ethical considerations that must be in place do not vary all that much from different fields of study, but there are slight differences. For example, one of the biggest considerations is gaining informed consent from parents but also assent from child participants. Prior to this class I was unaware that there is a difference. I believe designing a study and focusing on how it will be carried out makes the process more realistic. This process has allowed me to think realistically and with a level of compassion towards potential participants, as opposed to thinking abstractly about a study and participants. This process has allowed me to personalize a study and become committed to following through with the study. The biggest challenge for me was getting my research question to a specific and consice thesis that could be tested. I knew what I wanted to test, but eliminating external factors and insignificant factors was a challenge for me. Defining one word, going from social -emotional development to the word anxiety took weeks for me, but when it finally came to me I knew it was the one testable variable I wanted to use. As I began to see the work of my colleauges throughout the course and the research studies they were designing as well, I began to realize how large the early childhood field is. The amount of research and different avenues are immense. This truly is a field that is expanding and I am excited that we all get to be a part in the process.
Ms. Tate it does lend a new prospective on the field and causes me to think more deeply about issues with children. I want to thoroughly understand this topic because it's needed and very important to educators. Setting aside the child in me and the Mom has been difficult to pin point what I would like to concentrate on. The text as well as Professor Davis have been amazing in helping me gain a better understanding and that makes this journey all worth it.
ReplyDeleteNaturally, ethical considerations depend on the nature of the research project, but there is not much variation across fields. The most important concerns for all researchers, especially those who study children, are to ensure that their research meets the ethical standards in their field. In regard to your challenge, it is great to know that you were able to find a variable to use. It was great working with you and I wish you all the best on your academic journey.
ReplyDeleteResearch was new to me. It was like when I read some of the reading it was a different language for me. I also had a hard time explaining what I wanted tested. I could tell it out loud but writing it on paper was a little hard to me. Doing research is not how I remember doing it back in school(which has been a long time). I agree there is alot in the Early Childhood field and there is also alot of valuable information that we as educators can use in our classroom. I want to wish you the best of luck in 2013
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